HAMMERED BY U.S

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 70, 20 September 1943, Page 4

HAMMERED BY U.S

'ENEMY'S OCEAN BASES OPERATIONS EXPANDING

LONDON, September 19. In the last twenty-four hours the American Pacific Fleet has hammered two of the vital Japanese bases guarding the ocean approaches to Japan. In the central Pacific, a communique from the United States naval base at Pearl Harbour says strong Pacific Ocean forces have made heavy attacks on the Japanese air base on Tarawa Island, in the north Gilbert group, and also that on Nauru Island. Correspondents believe that the islands were bombed by carrier-borne aircraft.

This new blow at Japan's' ocean bases is significant of the way in which Allied operations in the central Pacific are expanding. It is also announced that a new army command has been formed to cover the central Pacific area. The limits have not been disclosed.

The bases which were attacked are on the edge of the fortified island zone which guards the ocean approaches to the Japanese mainland. The Japanese are showing nervousness over possible future developments in the war in the Pacific. Tokio radio said today that it was clear that the enemy was attempting to make a thorough and well-planned attack on the Japanese mainland by first taking control of strategic positions in' the eastern Pacific.

A direct attack on the Japanese mainland by the use of a naval task force and at the same time an offensive in the area ■ east of India were presumed to be the enemy's two main intentions. The British Fleet would provide the main strength for an attack from the Bay of Bengal while the American Fleet would be used for a direct frontal attack against the Japanese mainland. "The war in east Asia is now really beginning," the broadcast said.