JAPANESE FLEET DECLINES BATTLE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 39, 16 February 1943, Page 3

JAPANESE FLEET DECLINES BATTLE

SOUTH PACIFIC MOVES

Only Important Action Was Enemy Night Attack

N.Z. Press Association. —Copyright Rec. 11.30 a.m. NEW YORK, Feb. 15.The Japanese fleet has again declined to give battle with the United States fleet in the South Pacific. Simplv by appearing in great strength the United States Navy played an important part in the final phase of the conquest of Guadalcanar Both sides believed a great sea battle was imminent on February S but the Japanese withdrew after a'day of reconnaissance and "feeling out" operations. Allied Crew Cheered This news comes from Norman Bell, Associated Press correspondent with the South Pacific Fleet. He says: "When the captain of the ship to which I was assigned issued 'alert' instructions the crew cheered, but the enemy was not contacted. Later an explanatory bulletin stated that the enemy came out in force, but when he found what he was up against he withdrew, making no attempt to reinforce Guadalcanal - . "The frequent presence of Japanese reconnaissance planes over our task forces indicated extensive scouting prior to the enemy's decision not to risk battle." There is considerable speculation in naval circles as to whether any trickery lies behind the Japanese decision to withhold their strength. It is reported that the only important action involving American surface units during the fortnight's tension was a night attack by enemy aircraft on, a task force near Guadalcanal- on .January 29. Opportunity for New Offensive "There is a school of thought believing that every bomber, soldier and ton of shipping used in the Pacific is an unnecessary deduction from the force which ought to be used against Germany," writes Major Fielding Eliot in the New York Herald-Tribune. He adds: "Tlmse arguing this way should examine their ideas in the light of the alternative. If we had taken a strict defensive in the Pacific and had stood on the Dutch Harbour-Hawaii-Panama line we would have lost Australia and New Zealand and left the Japanese free to exploit these captured territories. There is no doubt that the Japanese by this time would have attacked Russia, and probably India. Viewing the accomplishments in RuSsia and North Africa, we must remember, that the immobilisation of Japanese sea and air power in the Pacific is largely responsible for these blessings." Major Eliot concludes: "There is now a new opportunity for taking the offensive in the Pacific, for which not vast but sufficient numbers of men, ships and planes are needed. We shall hear again that these are unwarranted detachments from our strength. Let us draw instruction from the lessons of the past."