Japanese Evacuate Guadalcanar

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 34, 10 February 1943, Page 3

Japanese Evacuate Guadalcanar

TOKYO ADMISSION 'Succession Of Pathetic And Tragic Incidents" (New Zealand Press Association.—Copyright.—Rec. 12.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, February 9. Imperial Headquarters in Tokyo announced to-day by official radio that units of the Japanese army and navy were transferred from New Guinea and from Guadalcanar early in February. An Imperial Headquarters communique states: "A Japanese force was dispatched with the objective of establishing strategic bases in various battle lines in- New Guinea and the Solomons. These bases, which form the foundation for new operations in the South Pacific, were completed. Thereupon the Japanese units, after effectively withstanding the enemy counter-offensives in the vicinity of Buna, have been transferred to other zones of operation. "Units operating on Guadalcanar attained their primary objective and were therefore withdrawn from the island and transferred to a new front early in February.** American and Japanese Losses Stated The Imperial Headquarters communique claims that American losses in the battles for Guadalcanar were over 25,000 officers and men killed, and 230 planes, 30 batteries and over 25 tanks destroyed. The communique states that the Jap>anese losses were 1 6,734 kHIec 1 and dead from sickness and 1 39 planes missing.

Japan declares that its forces have completely evacuated Guadalcanal:. In a broadcast intended only for the homeland and the occupied Pacific area, Tokyo radio said that the New Guinea and Solomons fighting has become "a succession of pathetic and tragic incidents for Japanese troops. "Britain and' America are trying to swallow us up in one breath in the air and in the transportation battle by depending upon their vast productive power," the broadcast added. "The British and Americans are committing violent actions on the battlefields comparable only to those of beasts and devils. Circumstances for the Japanese are disadvantageous beyond description. Our officers and men, however, are continuing bloody decisive battles day and night.**