SURPRISE BLOWS AT JAPAN

Evening Star, Issue 24429, 15 February 1943, Page 3

SURPRISE BLOWS AT JAPAN

AIR ATTACK FROM CHINA FORECAST BIG EVENTS LOOMING (Rec. 12.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 14. The Allies will launch surprise biows against Japan soon, according to war observers here. Aerial attacks against the Japanese mainland and increased efforts against her shipping supply lines are expected. Bases in* China will be used for an air offensive. The South Pacific American forces are thought to be preparing for attacks. Munda is now being softened by intensive aerial assault.

' Mr David Lawrence, the New York ' Sun's ' Washington correspondent, says the plan to take the offensive against Japan has crystallised. He regards as significant Mr Churchill's pledge that Britain would help with all her might. " The United States could defeat Japan 'vithout any help, but it would take five years," comments Lawrence. "With the co-opera-tion of British naval and air forces it might be done in a year after Hitler is beaten." .

Mr_ Joseph Harsch. writing in the ' Christian Science Monitor,' believes that new and more iutensive developments in China, preparatory to an attack on Japan, are indicated by the visit to Chungking of Generals Dill and Arnold. " This is strongly confirmed by Washington reports that Generals MacArthur and Wavell will soon meet for the first time," says Mr Jriaisch. " Wavell could provide flanking protection for MacArthur's force striking along a line from Australia towards the Philippines. However, the important question is which side should strike first. While present events may be part of the war of nerves, the tension in the atmosphere also gives warning of big things stirring."