NEW CALEDONIA DEFENCE

Grey River Argus, 25 May 1942, Page 5

NEW CALEDONIA DEFENCE

Americans Well Prepared

TAust & N.Z. Cable Assn.l (Reef 12.0). NEW YORK, May 23. The “New York Times” Noumea correspondent says:— Amer troops in New Caledonia are now thoroughly established. ahe ligixcin°- force has completely been adiustod to its environment, and is well' on the way to making the island an impregnable United States- stronghold. The army in the island is now'in battle positions, and is keen and ready to meet the Japanese. Bigger Naval Baitle EXPECTED SOON. ! (Special), (Rec. 12.40). SYDNEY. May 24. While comment is guarded, it is generally conceded that the _ lull following the Coral Sea Battip is not •likely to be continued much longer. The need for still heavier air strength and naval strength to defend Australia is generally stressed. “The second Battle of the Coral Sea .will, not be won by planes' alone,” says the Sydney “Daily Telegraph, in an editorial. “Stronger Japanese naval units will come down next time. We shah l need to use landbased bombers, aircraft-carriers, and powerful warships. We cannot le.-. secure in these waters until a big Anglo-American fleet regains absolute control of the South-west Pacific.” JAPANESE REPORT. LARGE U.S. AIR FORCES OUT. (Special). (Rec. 1.10). SYDNEY. May 24. The Japanese report that a powerful American task force, includ.ng the aircraft carriers "Hornet” and “Enterprise,” were this week fewer than six hundred miles east of the Solomon Islands. > Commenting on this report, the Australian correspondent of the magazine, “Time,” said: “If the Japanese could be believed, the South Pacific is lapped at edges with material for an air battle that could make the Coral Sea show look Ike a mere setting-up exercise.” JAPAN'S FIRST AIM. TO CUT OFF AUSTRALIA. (Special). (Rec. 12.40). - SYDNEY, Mav 24. Australian observers concur in an American belief that Japan, in releasing alleged details of the Coral Sea battle, ir. seeking for information.

No attempt is' made here to define the Japanese South-west Pacific territorial' additions, though ft is generally agreed that Japan’s main preoccupation at the moment is to cut the United States-Australia supply l-'ne, thus neutralising Australia as a base for future Allied offensive operations.