AMERICANS JUBILANT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 109, 11 May 1942, Page 6

AMERICANS JUBILANT

NEW YORK COMMENT

NEW YORK, May 9,

The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, told a Press conference in Washington today: "It is difficult to refrain from expressions equal to the magnitude of the victory which is reported from the Coral Sea, but I cannot make a fuller statement till all the facts are received."

In contrast to gloomy comment which was made yesterday on the Coral Sea battle, Mr. Fletcher Pratt, in the "New York Post," says today: "Things look so good they could not look better. This is a victory. It should be realised, however, that it may be a temporary victory, and that the Japanese may return reinforced.

"This has been their method throughout the war. They are extraordinarily persistent, and they also have enough forces to make the next blow harder."

Most newspapers somewhat disregard General Mac Arthur's warning against too great optimism. Bannerline headings, such as "Jap Fleet Smashed in Great Victory," cross the front pages. A commentator in the New York "World-Telegram" says: "The battle will probably decide the fate of the south Pacific, Moreover, it will affect naval strategy and building everywhere."

Other commentators discussing the American victory describe it as one of the major achievements of the war in the Pacific since it cuts sharply into the enemy forces, threatening their lines of communication- to Australia.

Starting in the Solomons, the battle apparently extended over 192,000 square miles of water. It is believed that the action may affect Japanese operations in the Indian Ocean by forcing a new disposition of the enemy forces.