WAR IN PACIFIC

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 May 1942, Page 5

WAR IN PACIFIC

THREE JAP. SHIPS SUNK

CRUISER AND FREIGHTERS (N.Z.I’.A. Special Australian Correspondent). MELBOURNE, May 22. One Japanese heavy cruiser and two Japanese merchant vessels, one of 9000 tons and one of 6000 tons, have been sunk by Allied submarines in the South-west Pacific. These sinkings have not been reported previously. They are announced in today’s communique from General MacArthur’s headquarters. The cruiser was one of the “Kako” class, carrying six eight-inch guns. There is no indication given of the areas in which the successes were scored, nor any dates of the actions given. Japan, it is believed, had four cruisers of the Kako class, these vessels carrying a normal complement of about 600. In addition to six eight-inch guns, they are armed with 4.7 anti-aircraft guns, and eight or 12 21-inch torpedo tubes. The class has comprised the Kako, Hurutaka, Kinugasa, and Aoba. All were completed between April, 1925, and September, 1926. The size of the Kawo class cruisers is 7100 tons.

JAP. AERIAL LOSSES.

SYDNEY, May 22

To-day’s South-west Pacific Allied G.H.Q. communique reports: A low altitude attack was made by Allied aircraft on the Lae aerodrome in New Guinea. Two enemy bombers were destroyed on the ground. Two others were extensively damaged. One grounded fighter plane was also destroyed. The Allied planes were intercepted by a force of eight enemy fighters. Three of these were shot down. All the Allied aircraft returned safely to their base. This raid on Lae was made under the cover of dense clouds and heavy monsoonal rains, which had, apparently, grounded the Japanese bombers. The aerodrome defences were taken by surprise. The raid on Lae is the only air activity reported, adverse weather conditions having halted all other operations. The High Command headquarters announce that in Wednesday’s air raid on Koepang, three enemy planes were destroyed, and three were damaged. Previously, two enemy aircraft were claimed as destroyed in this attack, as well as aerodrome buildings being set on fire. ADMIRAL GHORMLEY.

“I AM HERE TO FIGHT.” AUCKLAND, May 22. A Press conference to representatives of New Zealand and overseas newspapers was granted to-day by Vice-Admiral Robert L. Ghormley, United States Navy, who was recently appointed to take command of the South Pacific area, with headquarters in New Zealand. Admiral Ghormley intends to go to Wellington early next week, and he made it clear that he could not discuss the scope of the organisation and details of his command until he has conferred with the Government and Service chiefs. Admiral Ghormley came to NewZealand by way of a few of the islands which have been included m his command area. He brought with him some of the American officers wno will be on his staff. Some had already preceded him, but he said others were still to come, and until ne had them all with him he would not be able to say exactly how his Command would be organised. He had not reached any decision about the situation of his command headquarters. Asked what liaison his command would have with General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Allied Commander in the Anzac zone, which it lias been stated does not include New Zealand, Admiral Ghormley said he would be operating under Admiral Nimitz, commanding the Pacific area, and he would not be able to say what liaison there would be until the details of his organisation and command had been completed. That he is fully seized with the importance of his task and the urgency of the work ahead, was shown not only by the fact that he has already spent as much time as possible visiting points in his command area, but 'also by the way in. which he discussed his' visit to Wellington. He said he wanted to get there as quickly as possible. He did not want to be grounded by the weather if it interfered with ‘air travel, and he would therefore probably travel by train. I “Time is a serious element right now,” he said, and added: “It is in 'any war.”

When he met newspaper representatives and made it clear that there were many things he could not discuss, Admiral Ghormley gave an outline of what will possibly be his attitude to publicity in future. While apologising for the fact that at the present time he did not think he had I any news to give, he said there might be occasions in future when something should be said. One of the officers who was still to arrive would be in charge of public relations and would arrange these matters. “However,” said Admiral Ghormley, T will never say anything that will be ol any help or comfort to the enemy. ’ i Asked by an American newspaperpnan if he had any prediction to make 'of the next Japanese move, he said ■he certainly did not intend to make any prophecies. To a furl her question whether he had any opinion of the danger in which New Zealand was standing, he said he was not going to attempt to be an expert on a subject which the people of New Zea - land had been thinking about for a long time. “1 have been assigned to duty in the South Pacific area,,and I am glad to be in New Zealand," he concluded. “The strategy of the United Nations fully appreciates the importance of New Zealand, the South I Pacific, and Australia in the winning lof the war. Time is vital and I am |here to fight a war.”