BAD NEWS FOR JAPAN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 December 1943, Page 3

BAD NEWS FOR JAPAN

TRANSFER OF STRENGTH TO PACIFIC ADMIRAL KING SAYS PLANS ARE READY. AND WILL TAKE FULL EFFECT . PROBABLY IN 1944. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, December 30. Plans are ready for shifting the United Nations’ full strength into the war against Japan, probably at some time in 1944, said Admiral King, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Fleet. He added: "I am hopeful and expectant that Germany will be defeated in 1944, and I am expectant that unremitting pressure on Japan will be continued and increased. Studies have been under' way for several months looking to the shifting of power from the European theatre to the Pacific, not only when Germany is defeated, but as her defeat seems near at hand. The main lines of attack against Japan have already been determined and when the shift in power is made it will be used additionally to implement the general strategy of Japan's defeat. Because of the United States Fleet's'increased size, we are in a better position to retain the initiative. We would be going faster against Japan had we more rpeans. Those additional means will be available with the transfer of power from the European theatre.

ALL-OUT OFFENSIVE PREDICTION BY TOKIO RADIO. (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 30. The Tokio official radio said Japan in 1944 will launch an all-out offensive, to drive the last vestige of British and American influence from Greater Asia. The announcer explained that Japan had devoted the first year of the war to winning limitless resources and the second to winning political solidification.