STRONG JAPANESE RESISTANCE

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23714, 12 August 1942, Page 3

STRONG JAPANESE RESISTANCE

(8.0. W.) IUTiIiY, August 11. Striking’ swiftly and unexpectedly three days ago in th« direction of Japanese bases in the Solomon Islands, the Allied forces have achieved what Admiral E. J. King (Commander-in-chief of the United States Navy) describes in a statement issued in Washington to-day as “planned landings” in the area* Tulagi is a small island off the south coast of Florida Island. Admiral King’s statement reads: “Offensive operations by the United Slates naval and other forces, looking to the occupation of an island in the Tulagi area in the south-easterly Solomon Islands, have noAV been under way for about three days. The operations are under the immediate command of Vice-Admiral R. L. Ghormley and under the general control of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Certain forces under General Mac Arthur are co-operating. “The objective of the current operations is to expel the Japanese from the Tulagi area and make use of that area for our own purposes. The enemy has been in process of consolidating these positions and their purpose has been not only to deny them to us but to use them as a base for offensive operations against our positions which cover the line of communications to Australia and New Zealand. “An initial surprise was effected, and well-timed landings were accomplished. The enemy counter-attacked with rapidity and heavy lighting is still in progress.

“Our operating forces are employing all the available communications in the conduct of operations, so that our information is incomplete,- but it appears that we have had at least one cruiser sunk, and two cruisers, two destroyers, and one transport damaged. “Likewise, information as to the extent of the damage inflicted on the enemy is incomplete, but it includes a large number of enemy aeroplanes destroyed and surface units put out of action. “This operation in the Tulagi area is significant, in that it our first assumption of the initiative and the offensive. It is obvious that operations in the Pacific, however successful, have been initially of a defensive character. “It should be understood that the operation now in progress is one of the most complicated and difficult in warfare. Considerable losses, such as are inherent in any offensive operation, must be expected.” , Japanese Claims The losses which the Japanese claim to have inflicted on the Allied forces are shown to be characteristically fantastic. Many enemy aircraft have been destroyed and surface units have been disabled. A message from New York quotes the Tokyo official radio as announcing sweeping claims of the naval battle in the Solomons. “Units of the Japanese fleet initiated violent attacks against the British and American fleet in the Solomons on Friday which are still progressing,” the Tokyo radio stated. “As far as is known the Japanese navy has sunk one battleship of an unknown type, two cruisers of the Australia class, two of the Astoria class, at least three further cruisers of an unknown type and also at least four destroyers, and more than 10 transports. Furthermore, three cruisers of the Minneapolis class, at least two destroyers, and more than one transport were heavily damaged. The Japanese air force shot down at least 32 fighters and nine dive-bombers. “The damage suffered by the Japanese includes seven aircraft, which carried out suicide dives. Two cruisers were slightly damaged.” Enemy Air Strength Shifted Reports reaching Allied Headquarters' indicate that the enemy has moved part of his air strength from New Britain and the New Guinea area and has flung it into the' battle for the Solomons. In Saturday’s and Sunday’s bombing-raids on a number of enemy aerodromes little interference was met from Japanese fighters, and only a few Japanese aircraft were seen

on the ground. The only fighter interception was over Lakunai aerodrome at Rabaul. •*-- • 1 « • It was stated in Washington that as the operating forces are using all available communications in the conduct of the offensive, information on progress is consequently incomplete. The initial attack took the enemy by surprise, but he has counter-attacked with rapidity and vigour. Observers at General MacArthur’s Headquarters say that it is becoming increasingly evident, that the Allies are not to snatch a quick victory from the enemy, who' has had months to establish himself in the bases now under attack. General MacArthur’s communiques do not mention the Solomon Islands battle for the reason that it is being directed from a centre not within his area, but Australian arid American air and naval forces under his command are giving valuable assistance in the action. In reply to questions about participation in the battle by United States marines, high marine officials said it was well known that the marines, specially trained for amphibious operations, were stationed in the general South-wc . Pacific area. However, so far they were unable to reveal whether or not the marines participated in this specific action. The marines have self-propelled landing boats and also tanks and artillery.