WAKE ISLAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 October 1943, Page 3

WAKE ISLAND

SIGNIFICANCE OF LATEST ATTACK DISCUSSED IN UNITED STATES PUNCHING AT* JAPANESE DEFENCE PERIMETER (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) PEARL HARBOUR. October 7. The participation of surface units as well as planes in the attack on Wake Island probably indicates that the navy intends the reduction of the island, which is a key stepping-stone in Japan’s aerial route to the Marshalls and Gilberts, says the “New York Times,” The occupation of Wake Island has been predicted for some time, but there is no indication that such an operation will be undertaken immediately. It is stated that if the fleet is able to keep the island neutralised, invasion is not necessary. It is noteworthy that the announcement of the attack followed shortly after the conference of Admirals Nimitz, King and Halsey. The Associated Press of America says the attack on Wake, following closely on the Marcus Island and Gilbert Island raids, is evidence that the Japanese central Pacific, defence perimeter will undergo a steady punching in the newly opened offensive phase of the Pacific war. Wake was captured by the Japanese on December 23, 1941, after 16 days of heroic resistance by its small garrison. The last naval blow at Wake was on February 23, 1942, when bombs from aircraft and shells from naval vessels destroyed shore installations. Wake is an important mid-Pacific air base, being 1200 miles from Truk and 2000 miles from the Japanese mainland.