STRIKING POWER IN PACIFIC

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23745, 17 September 1942, Page 5

STRIKING POWER IN PACIFIC

U.S. SAID TO HOLD BALANCE WASHINGTON, Sept. 15. “The United States hold the balance of military and naval striking power over Japan in the Pacific,” said Rear-Admiral Blandy. who has returned from a tour of inspection covering 26,000 miles. He said, however, .that he was not bold enough to forecast the future of the Pacific situation. Asked whether the United States was in a position to hold the Japanese against anything they might throw in, Rear-Admiral Blandy replied; "I think we are, but we cannot do it by merely holding. We have got to keep pushing. The best defence is a strong offensive. We cannot remain static.’’ - Rear-Admiral Blandy said that with a few minor exceptions ordnance and material were being adequately delivered and were performing well. He particularly praised the naval antiaircraft fire, and mentioned one tor-pedo-aircraft attack against American ships in the Solomons, Of the 27 attacking Japanese aeroplanes more than half were shot down by the ships anti-aircraft fire.