ACTION BY FLEET

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 40, 15 August 1942, Page 5

ACTION BY FLEET

MAY BE FORCED UPON "JAPANESE (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) ■ SYDNEY, August 14. American observers believe that Japan may be forced to bring her main fleet into action in an effort to save her positions in the Solomons. No further official details are known of the fighting, which is still continuing on sea and land. However, it is confirmed that strong American forces have landed on a fourth island—'Malaita—in addition to Tula-gi, Guadalcanal, and Florida. Some reports say .that the American marines, heavily reinforced, are breaking down the Japanese hold on TulagL It is stated that the Japanese had developed Tulagi's defences to a greater extent than was expected, and they were evidently determined to make 'it an important naval .base. At least • one airfield on Guadaleanar is said to have fallen into Allied hands. TOKIO DELAYS ANNOUNCEMENT. A third postponement of the promised announcement by Tokio radio of the details of the battle may indicate that the fighting is not ""developing to the liking of the Japanese High Command, American opinion is that the action will demand additional strength for the Allied sea farces already engaged. Observers point out that vessels must be deployed throughout the outer area of the battle zone in order to guard against an enemy surprise move, and

prevent reinforcements from reaching: the islands. Possession of the airfields on Guadaleariar will be of the highest importance to the Allies. Among the war correspondents in Australia, the opinion grows that the Allied offensive against the Solomons has narrowly forestalled further aggressive moves by the Japanese, They point to the substantial enemy shipping concentrations in the Rabaul and Banda Sea areas, which have suffered heavily from the Allied bombing attacks. ATTACKS ON TRANSPORTS. Further attacks on enemy warships and transports in the New Guinea area are reported in today's south-west Pacific communique. These attacks are known to have been made at sea, but there is no indication yet of the likely destination of the' convoy. In counter-operations the Japanese are reported to be using Zero fighters fitted with floats. These can be readily operated among the islands, where good landing grounds are scarce but sheltered sea bases are plentiful.