SEVERE SKIRMISHES BY MM FORCES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 29, 4 February 1943, Page 5

SEVERE SKIRMISHES BY MM FORCES

SOUTH PACIFIC AREA Only Reconnaissance In Force At Present N.Z.P.A. and British Wireless Rec. 2 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 3. A pitched battle had not yet developed in the Solomons, but both sides had engaged in severe skirmishes and no one knew what the future held. Colonel Knox said at his first Press conference after his return from his Pacific tour, when referring to the United States Navy communique which stated that a major battle was going on.

The Secretary for the Navy said the assumption that a tremendous battle was m progress was incorrect, but it might be correct to say that the action involved reconnaissance in force. The Japanese were on a fighting expedition and were trying to elicit information by a series of announcements. Colonel Knox added that the Japanese had shown a greater tendency to surrender at Guadalcanar. They had abandoned attempts to reinforce the men there, as the Americans dominated the area. Sparring For Positions A United States Navy spokesman said he would not call the action in the Solonons a pitched battle. It was -like an open football match, all spread out and sparring for positions. "We, have some information regarding losses which I think accurate, but our policy is that until we can make a simultaneous release of the losses by both sides we must hold off." He added that there was no indication that Japanese' aircraft carriers were involved. Enemy planes were from land bases in the Solomons area. United States ground forces on Guadalcanar Island continued to advance westward on Monday and crossed the Bonegi River, half a mile east of Tassafaronga, states the Navy Department's communique No. 270. Stiff enemy resistance was encountered. Sixty Japanese were killed. . Air and surface engagements in the Guadalcanar area are continuing, but the military situation does not permit of the publication of more details.