AUSTRALIAN OPTIMISM

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 133, 8 June 1942, Page 6

AUSTRALIAN OPTIMISM

GREATER SECURITY

(Rec. 2.45 p.m.) SYDNEY. June 8,

Authoritative sources , draw two rather optimistic conclusions from the heavy Japanese reverse in the Midway Island sea battle, says the Melbourne correspondent of the . "Daily Telegraph." Firstly, the invasion threat to Australia has temporarily eased; secondly, a very decisive step has been taken towards paving the way for the opening of a second front in the Western Pacific. \ The correspondent adds that responsible officers, noted for their caution in assessing the value of, the naval and air clashes which so far have,'taken place, are showing their first signs of jubilation. It is held possible that the Dutch Harbour attack and the submarine penetration into Australian coastal waters were intended as diversions to scatter the Allied naval strength. :% The Pacific High Command refused to fall into the trap. The naval forces j were held together and met the enemy attack at full action strength. The accepted official belief is that the Pacific war will be won or lost on naval supremacy. The Japanese cannot afford to lose any more air-craft-carrier strength. Even her present losses will make access to th«» Western Pacific easier for all types of American forces.