SMASHING BLOWS IN PACIFIC PLANNED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 80, 5 April 1943, Page 3

SMASHING BLOWS IN PACIFIC PLANNED

BEFORE END IN WEST

Island-Hopping Strategy Renounced

N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright Rec. 2 p.m. . NEW YORK, April 4. Military and naval circles believe that smashing blows are planned in the Pacific, possibly coinciding with or even preceding the eventual European offensive, reports the Washington correspondent of the New York Times. He adds: "However, the same circles would be greatly surprised if the main Pacific show began before the last act of the European drama was in sight. "The most likely possibility for the first blow seems to rest in General Mac Arthur's domain. Indeed, it is safe to bet General Mac Arthur will not sit still, even if he cannot manage a large-scale push against Rabaul. Other Japanese bases are tempting plums in his neighbourhood. "No one in Washington expects an island-to-island campaign, however. These enemy bases have been greatly reinforced and Japanese air strength has been increased recently. Therefore General Mac Arthur cannot take too great risks. "Naval experts are not concealing the important fact that the United States might find it. difficult to spare enough aircraft-carriers for General Mac Arthur's venture. The possibility is also seen of a resumption of bombing of Tokyo from China. It is believed this was part of the strategy recently discussed by the Pacific service chiefs in Washington."