JAPANESE FORECAST

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 103, 3 May 1943, Page 5

JAPANESE FORECAST

UNPARALLELED OPERATIONS *NEW YORK, May 2. Japan is preparing for unparalleled large-scale operations by all her forces, states Tokio radio. The Japanese Press chief, General Yahagi, says that Japan has completed the establishment of strategic bases north and north-east of Australia, including Timor, New Guinea, and the Solomons. Australia, he declared, was in an extremely nervous condition, anticipating operations for which the new bases would pave the way. The New York "Journal and American" says that if the Japanese offensive engulfs the Pacific outposts, it will not be because Washington lacked information. "A long procession of military leaders—Americans, Australians, and New Zealandersj-have trekked to Washington describing the danger and pleading for help," says the paper. Colonel Kaye, aide to Governor Stain back, of Hawaii, says that the danger is so terrific and so immediate !in the Pacific that its real nature cannot be disclosed till steps are taken to meet it. "I do not. know whether the Japanese intend to attempt invasion of Australia, nor does anyone else," said the Australian Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Evatt, today. "But the possibility cannot be excluded and must be guarded against." He added that the Allies would counter with new blows against Japan. Berlin radio says that the world is on the eve of very important decisions in the north Pacific. It adds: "The Aleutians will soon become a major battle area. The Japanese are thoroughly consolidating their bases before launching large-scale operations. The Americans are also feverishly concentrating on the completion of their bases in the Aleutians. All the signs indicate that American preparations for a counter-offensive against the Japanese are nearing completion."