REPORTED CHANGE IN STRATEGY
Role Of British Fleet In Pacific CLARIFICATION URGED (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Received March 7, 11.55 p.m.) LONDON, Marell 7. The British Fleet is believed to have been assigned a comparatively minor role in the Pacific war as a result of a change in strategy which will keep the forces under Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser’s command out of Japanese home waters, says the “Daily Mail’s” Now York correspondent. This means in effect, that Admiral Fraser’s ships will not get a chance to light it out with the Japanese. Thg campaigns in which the British will join have been limited apparently to operations against Singapore and possibly Hong Kong. Admiral Fraser’s’ statement on March 5 that the British Fleet was ready and waiting for action is regarded as a veiled protest against the revised strategy. It is no secret that Admiral King, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Navy, has consistently opposed greater British participation in the war against Japan. It is time for some straight talking on the role of the British Pacific Fleet in the battle for Japan, cables the “Daily Mail’s” correspondent, Graham Stanford, from the British Pacific Fleet headquarters. After reference to Admiral Fraser’s statement that the British officers and men are spoiling for the fight, the correspondent says that American naval writers have doubted the ability of the British Fleet to operate as a selfsupporting unit because of supply difficulties in these vast waters. They take the view that the American Navy is able to cope with the Japanese Navy. On the contrary, British Navy experts contend that the British Pacific Fleet is fully equipped to operate efficiently, and is able and ready to switch its full strength against the Japanese. Mr. Stanford adds that a frank statement from the highest quarters in London is urgently required to clear the air before the battle for Japan begins and to belie rumours that political considerations threaten to intrude in Pacific strategy.
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Bibliographic details
Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 138, 8 March 1945, Page 7
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328REPORTED CHANGE IN STRATEGY Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 138, 8 March 1945, Page 7
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