ALTERNATE ATTACKS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 277, 19 August 1944, Page 7

ALTERNATE ATTACKS

Two Amphibious Forces

In Pacific (Received August 18, 9 p.m.) NEW YORK, August 18. A new Pacific command a set-up which he was of the opinion would greatly shorten the war against Japan, was outlined by Admiral Nimitz during his recent visit to Guam, says a New York Times” correspondent. Admiral Nimitz promised) a non-stop war, with separate teams of amphibious commanders under Admirals Halsey and Spruance, alternately planning and fighting the future operations. “For example, while Admiral bpruance, commanding the Fifth Fleet, and its amphibious corps, is executing one operation, Admiral Halsey, commanding the Third Fleet, and his amphibious corps . will be planning another operation, which they will execute while Admiral' Spruance and his crowd sit on the beach planning still another,” . said Admiral Nimitz. “You cannot expect admirals to plan and execute an operation at the same time. If we had not had two teams there would be long pauses between operations." Admiral Nimitz admitted that the nbn-stop programme was. particularly wearing on the ships, which were used over, and over in successive operations. “We are fortunate in not losing any ships. That is one way we have been able to keep things rolling. I foresee in the favourable European situation that reinforcements from that area aren’t too far in the future, but we cannot sit and wait.” Admiral Nimitz emphasized that the Allies would also need bases in China to ensure victory. He said 1 the Mariannes had to ibe occupied rapidly, because the Allies had a schedule. Asked if the Allies were on schedule, Admiral Nimitz replied: “I think so.”