Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1943. MACARTHUR’S VICTORY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 March 1943, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1943. MACARTHUR’S VICTORY.

|N smashing the Japanese convoy in the Bismarck Sea, General MacArthur also put an end to any justification for Australian complaints that the Continent is not adequately protected, that a serious invasion is a likely contingency, and that Washington and Whitehall have let down the Commonwealth. Mr. Curtin’s statement about the availability of Spitfires at Darwin, due to Mr. Churchill’s initiative, is evidence that Britain is taking a real interest in the safety of Australia and New Zealand. Doubtless, Mr. Curtin could disclose other British aid. were this wise. Enough has occurred to show how unduly alarmist some sections of the Australian 'Press have been, and even Ministers and Opposition leaders have erred similarly. This pessimism may have been designed Io deceive the enemy, or to influence the Australian people to do more for the national war effort, but whatever its purpose, it is to be hoped that future publicity and oratory will take a brighter tone. Apologies seem to be due to Mr. Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill for the doubts cast upon their sincerity and foresight, concerning Pacific defence. No question arises that at an early stage, the situation was ugly, but the steps taken to deal with it and the Allies’ series of successes, have vastly improved the prospects, and nuis-ance-raiders are now the only source of anxiety concerning attacks on AustralianNew Zealand shores. It will be ever to the credit of this Dominion that she did not join in the clamorous criticism that came from Australia, but was confident that the Japanese menace would be adequately dealt with in due course and, meanwhile, remained calm.

As for General MacArthur’s aerial triumph, his own estimate that it approached a major disaster to the enemy is not exaggerated. All concerned in the planning and execution of the victory are entitled to high praise and gratitude, which feeling should be extended to “the merciful Providence,” thus following General MacArthur’s own lead. The completeness of the Japanese losses at® so slight a cost to the Allies, seems almost 100 good to be true. Once again, the significance of aerial power has been stressed, and the Allies’ superiority in this direction must prove to be of incalculable value in future operations. The U.S.A, promises of the destruction of Japanese cities by bombing are made more realisable by' what happened to the Japanese convoy, and there does not seem much that the enemy’ can do about it. It would be foolish of course, to regard the Pacific war as already won, as unless there is an unexpected Japanese collapse, much remains to be done. However, the Allies will have the encouragement that comes from successful effort. Whether the Japanese defeats will permit revision, or alleviation, of domestic military policy in Australia and New Zealand is for those with adequate knowledge to say.