Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 1944. THE ISLAND WARFARE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 80, 14 January 1944, Page 2

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 1944. THE ISLAND WARFARE

Growing Allied power in the South Pacific and skill in exploiting it are evidenced by the quick succession of ih-eavy blows struck by General MacArthur’s forces. Since December 15 the Americans have made four successful landings in this strategically vital aiea—on Long Island, at Arawc and Cape Gloucester, in New Britain. and at Saidor on the northern coast of the Huon Peninsula (New Guinea). The pace and scope of the Allied movement is astonishing by comparison with the slow plugging and actual stagnation that marked the New Guinea and Solomons fronts for nearly a year after the landing on Guadalcanal*. The Allies not only possess t'he means, hut have also mastered the technique of this type of warfare. The beginning of July saw them opening as many as half a dozen new fronts in one offensive. Since then there has been practically no pause. At this season the rains might have been expected to check the offensive. Instead it has been proceeding all the more briskly. The landing at Saidor should assist the Australians who are driving the Japanese up the coast beyond Wareo. The enemy is boxed between this force, the Americans at Saidor, the Finisterre range and the sea. An early and annihilating success is in prospect instead of a slow and costly pursuit, punctuated by frontal attacks.