INVASION HAILED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20859, 11 August 1942, Page 4

INVASION HAILED

BRITAIN_AND U.S. patternln pacific STRATEGICAL AIMS CB\' Telegraph-rPrens Asrii.—Copyright.) . (2 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 10. The British and American news- ; papers hail the Allied attack on the Solomon Islands as the long-awaited j turn from the defensive to offensive ' strategy, but they comment with caution upon the probable outcome of the battle. The New York Herald-Tribune says: Eight months of retreat,, defeat an<3 purely! defensive stratedy has been broken! at last. ; As the accumulating of hints and bits of, news indicate that what has opened in- the Solomons, is the first- offensive effort of the United Nations in the Pacific, it is impossible to restrain the deep surge of enthusiasm and relief. “What the battle brought forth wc cannot, tell, but there is no longer doubt that the operation is, a big one and a i genuine offensive stroke* ■ The fact that it could be made alone reveals , how far the strategic pattern in the Pacific has been shifting. The simultaneous attack in the Solomons and the United Stales naval bombardment of Kiska, combined in one plan, show that our power in the Pacific is growing and is making'its effectiveness felt. The initiative l is here in our hands. , We are taking ■risks and forcing, the pace as the Japanese so long have done. Once ■’ we, bring offensive power-, to bear, whatever the costs and setbacks, that spirit will not be relinquished and the course of,,the war will not again be the same." ;. ; . . The (London Times says: “The combined New Guinea, New Britain and Solomons attack bears all the marks of-a deliberate offensive, planned well ahead. It explains the comparative lull in this area which caused uneasiness in Australia' last week. Previously, the United Nations were on the defensive 'in that part of the world, as elsewhere. Now there is ah offensive designed to oust the enemy from the places which 'he occupied month® ago end in which he has been consolidating himself ever since.” The Evening Standard says: “The gravity of the situation in the Pacific has led to a change in Allied strategy. I The Australians and Americans are attacking and the attack has not come a minute • too- soon. 1 The assault' at least indicates that the Allies for the first time are prepared and able to take the initiative in the Pacific.” ' I