SOLOMONS OFFENSIVE

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 August 1942, Page 5

SOLOMONS OFFENSIVE

FURTHER U.S.A. LANDINGS

COLONEL KNOX’S. COMMENT

ENEMY SHIPPING' BOMBED

(N.Z.P.A. Special Australian Correspondent).

SYDNEY, August 14

Latest reports indicate that the Solomon Islands position has improved in the last 24 hours. A United States Navy Department communique states: “Operations are continuing in the Solomon Islands. There is nothing to report from other areas.” The fact that no other information concerning the fighting is forthcoming is regarded as an indication that the battle, now in its seventh day, is of considerable proportions, says an agency message from Washington. It is confirmed that strong American forces have landed on a fourth island —Malaika— in addition to Tulagi, Guadalcanal', and Florida. Some reports say American marines, heavily reinforced, are breaking down the Japanese hold on Tulagi. It is stated that the Japanese had developed Tulagi’s defences to a greater extent than was expected. They were evidently determined to make it an important naval base. At least one airfield at Guadalcanal’ is said to have fallen into Allied hands. The United States Secretary of the Navy (Colonel Knox) to-day had a conference with President Roosevelt. Asked afterwards what he thought of developments in the Solomon Islands, Colonel Knox declared "Very good.” It is accepted in Federal Government circles in Australia that there are good grounds for believing that the initial step in the Allies’ longrange plans for an offensive against Japanese-occupied territory is sueceeding. A third postponement of the promised announcement by Tokio radio of details of the battle rrtay indicate that the fighting is not developing to the liking of the Japanese command.

American opinion is that the action will require additional strength for the Allied sea forces already engaged. Observers state that vessels must'be deployed throughout the outer area of the battle zone to guard against an enemy surprise move, and to prevent Japanese reinforcements reaching the islands. Possession of airfields on Guadalcanal- will be-, of the highest importance to the Allies. Further attacks on enemy warships and transports in the Nev/ Guinea area are reported in to-day's Southwest Pacific headquarters communique. These attacks are known to have been made at sea, but no indication has yet been given of the likely destination of the Japanese convoy. In counter-operations the Japanese are reported to be using Zero fighters fitted with floats. These can readily be operated among the islands, where good landing grounds are scarce, but sheltered sea bases are plentiful.

ZERO MACHINES CRASHED

(Reed. 11.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 14. General MacArthur's bombers on Thursday struck 'three tunes at a Japanese convoy at sea. Flying Fortresses and medium bombers, probably marauders, attacked transports and warships in the New Guinea area, but because of the adverse

weather conditions the results could not be observed.

To-day’s communique from the Allied Headquarters says that in me first attack, a flight of our heavy bombers was intercepted by six Zero fighters. Two enemy planes were shot down ,and three damaged. A second attack was made by medium bombers. They were intercepted by seven Zero machines, one of which was shot down. A third Allied attacking force was. not intercepted. Some of our bombers were damaged, but all returned to their bases. This was the only air combat activity reported in the communique. No further details have been given of Wednesday’s devastating attacks against enemy shipping in Rabaul Harbour, or of the attacks made against other Japanese vessels in the Timor-Banda Sea areas. STREAM OF~SUPPLIES.

(Rec. 11.45) WASHINGTON, Aug. 14. The Navy announced that a stream of supplies was moving to the marine forces in the Solomons, where they were consolidating shore positions satisfactorily.

MR. BARCLAY’S STATEMENT

((t . SYDNEY, August 14. If we can drive the Japanese back from Solomons, Australia and New Zealand can breathe more easily. I cannot comment on the battle —I am not a member of the War Cabinet—blit the implications are obvious.” Mr. Barclay, New Zealand Minister of Agriculture, said this to journalists here to-day, shortly before leaving to inspect Australian munitions factories.

The Japanese bases in the Solomons, Mr. Barclay added, were a constant menace to Fiji, to New Zealand and to Australia’s supply line with the United States. “I believe that the threat of invasion has been more fully realised by the people of New Zealand than by those I have seen in Australia,” he said. “Our preparations are well forward to meet any emergency.” The general opinion in New Zealand, he said, was that Australia is in more imminent danger of invasion than is New Zealand.

If either country were invaded, he said, there would be complete cooperation between their armed forces.

“One of the happy consequences of the war has been the vital link forged between the Dominions,” said the Minister. “Before the war there was a good deal of trade rivalry. That has all gone by the board today. New Zealand is only too willing to lend whatever aid we can to Australia, just as we know Australia is prepared to help us in every possible way. If Australia is invaded there will be the fullest co-operation from New Zealand, both to assist your fighting forces and to help to feed your people.” Mr. Barclay gave some details ol New Zealand’s war effort. Fie said that, though the taxation is heavy, the Dominion has been able to maintain and even to extend its social services.