SOLOMONS BASES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 195, 19 August 1942, Page 5

SOLOMONS BASES

WELL ESTABLISHED

American Amphibian Forces

Work Well

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18. The United States Navy Department has issued the following communique covering operations in the South Pacific area:—lt is now possible to issue some details of the attacks and landing operations which have been in progress in the Solomon Islands since the early morning of August 7. The attacks were a complete surprise to the enemy and 18 of their seaplanes were destroyed before they could get into action. The amphibious forces of the United States Marine Corps, borne by transport, made several landings on islands in the Guadalcanar and Tulagi area. Vigorous enemy resistance was rapidly overcome and a number of Japanese prisoners taken. The shore positions taken by United States forces have since been developed and are now wel\ established. During these landing operations cruisers and destroyers were so disposed as to protect our transports and cargo ships as they unloaded troops and equipment. While thus engaged on August 7 and 8, our forces were attacked by enemy landbased aircraft. attacks were driven off and at least 18 more enemy planes were destroyed, while only minor damage was suffered by our forces.

During the night of August 8 an enemy force of cruisers and destroyers attempted to attack our transports, cargo ships and supporting forces. This enemy force was intercepted and engaged by our cruisers and destroyers. Heavy fighting which followed resulted in the enemy being forced to retreat before reaching the vessels engaged in landing operations. Close-range fighting during this night engagement resulted in damage both to the enemy and to our forces. This night action is the only engagement between surface forces which has been fought to date in the Solomon Islands. It is impossible in night engagements to determine accurately the damage inflicted on the opposing force No further statement is made at this time of the extent of the damage-to our forces, because of the obvious value of such information to the enemy.

AMERICA'S AID

MR. HUGHES REBUKED

Special Australian Correspondent Rec. 1 p.m. SYDNEY, this day. The size of the forces that the United" States had sent to the southwest Pacific should not be discussed publicly, declared the Prime Minister Mr. Curtin, when commenting on' the reported statement by the deputy-leader of the Opposition, Mr. W. M. Hughes, that expressions of disappointment with the extent of American aid were unjustified, ana that American aid was substantial and not a mere trickle. "I have not expressed any disappointment," said Mr. Curtin. "I am most grateful for what the Americans have done in the Coral Sea and the Midway Isiand battles, in the appointment of General Mac Arthur as Commander-in-Chief, as well as the forces of various kinds which they have established in this country, and which they have used in the Solomons offensive."