REINFORCED BY JAPS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 64, 12 September 1942, Page 7

REINFORCED BY JAPS

GARRISONS fN SOUTH

PACIFIC

NEW YORK, Sept. 10. A Chungking spokesman disclosed that a large number of Japanese transports, bearing mechanised troops which last week were heading towards Singapore, are now heading towards South Pacific islands to reinforce the i garrisons in anticipation, of' a further Allied offensive. He added that the Japanese must have miscalculated in their strategy against Australia. Three months ago the Japanese planned ? full-scale attack on Australia, not because they wanted Australia, but in order to eliminate the territory as a potential base for a counter-attack. At the last moment the Japanese changed their plans and decided that it was sufficient to occupy strategic islands, for example, the Sojornons and Bismarck Archipelago, from which they could intercept attempts by the Allies to send strong forces to Australia.'

Nevertheless, the supplies have continued to go to Australia, and moreover, the Solomons offensive has thwarted the Japanese concept, forcing them to divert more forces to the South Pacific.