ALLIED WAR STRATEGY

Grey River Argus, 15 May 1943, Page 5

ALLIED WAR STRATEGY

SWITCH TO PACIFIC Australian Scepticism BEAT HITLER FIRST POLICY SUPPORTED.

(Special to 'N.Z. Press Assn.) (.Rec. 11.20) SYDNEY, May 14. No endorsement is given in Australia 'to fanciful theories emanating from some quarters in the united States regarding a major switch m the global strategy of the United Nations' However, Washington con " ferences between Mr. Churchill and President Roosevelt and Allied land and naval air commanders and tne meeting between General MasAithui and Admiral Halsey have quickened hopes that the Allies will soon be able to exert greater strength against Japan in Indian and Pacific Oceans area. It is recognised, howevfi , that the “beat Hitler first’ policy will hold

and must continue to hold the field. “NeverthelQS's uiere are many signs that within the ambit of the settled policy of treating Hitler as enemy number one, the war against Japan is to be speeded up,” says the Sydney “Morning Herald” in an editorial, lhe turning point has certainly oeen reached. Germany and Italy have suffered a colossal defeat in the battle for position, and its effects win be felt in every quarter of the globe. Japan will be quick to sense this. Before their forces are finally, committed to assault, against Europe, 'c seems probable that President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill are considering "what additional resources can he diverted to this theatre to ensure that Japan s power is kept in check while Germany is being destroyed. Mr. Churchill’s promptitude in sending for Dr. Evatt is further testimony of his concern for the security of Australia and New

Zealand and to his keen interest in the progress of the Pacific war.” Australian observers in Washington emphasise the strong Pacihcmindedness of the United States Navy, almost to the point of preoccupation as a factor suggesting some early offensive action in the Pacinc. One commentator adds that furthermore, lit is known that, whatever deficiencies mar exist on the supply side m the South-west Pacific, it is not equally true in the South Pacific Command—and strength built up in that area is not going; to be left idle. , i After h ; s conference with Mr. Churchill. Dr. Evatt is reported to have- said: “Mr. Churchill’s eagerness to acquaint himself with aspects of the war in the South-west Pacific and particularly in New Guinea is most evident.” The Australian meeting of General MacArthur and Admiral Halsey a, month aim is reported to have been 1 “most cordial and the results achieved most valuable.” This was first reported at the time the two commanders had met. No official answer has been made to the question: “Has the 159th longitude division between the South-west and the South Pacific Commands been abolished?” “General MacArthur and Admiral Halsey are kindred souls and understand each other perfectly,” said an official spokesman at South-west Pacific Headquarters to-dav. There need be no fear regarding united action between the two commands if and when the necessity arises. Elements of the two commands have already mutually participated in the Coral Sea Battle, in the initial sea battles of Guadalcanal and the many air battles connected with the Solomons’ campaign. These elements include Australian and American naval vessels under the scope of Genera] MacArthur’s original command. In air engagements, bombers under his command participated outside the Southwest Pacific area.”

PACIFIC WAR TALKS. .WASHINGTON, May 13. Allied action in the Pacific is widely forecast as one result of the talks between Mr. Churchill and Mr. Roosevelt and the Allied military, air, and naval leaders. Significance is attached to the conference which the Australian Minister for External Affairs (Dr. Evatt) had with Mr. Churchill yesterday. Further talks are expected. However, there is little doubt that Europe has been the main topic of the conversations. Observers believe that the Allies have more,' than one set of plans for attacks on Hitler’s European fortress and that the leaders will decide which to. use. It is conjectured that attempts will be made to invade Europe at more than one point and the most popular choices are the Balkans and the western coast of Europe, which can be attacked from well-supplied bases and under cover of strong air umbrellas. In the case of the Balkans there are big supply bases at Cairo, Alexandria, and in Eritrea, while the Persian oil will also be handy. The operations could be covered by air. Other operations from England against France and the Low Countries would be similarly favoured. ~ It is disclosed that Field Marshal Sir Archibald Wavell spent some time in London before going to Washington. He was received by the King. . , His presence at the conference is interpreted as being necessitated by the Allies’ sudden victory in Tunisia, which has resulted in the imminent opening of the Mediterranean for comparatively safe traffic. This means a shorter rout to India and China, which promises early and great increases of supplies to those theatres. . The American land and air commanders in China, General Stilwell and General Chennault, ‘ are still in Washington, and with Field Marshal Wavell are likely to be brought into the conference to co-ordinate the future land activities against the Japanese in Asia and to fit such activities into the global grand strategy. No immediate offensive against Japan’s western flanks is expected, but opportunity may be taken to build up supplies in India and m China against the day when attacks may b e launched against Japan from other quarters, possibly the Aleutians, or further south in the Pacific. The New York "Dailv Mirror” says: If a Pacific offensive is being considered. it is unfortunate that General MacArthur is not present, “since General MacArthur knows more about the Japanese and how to beat them than anyone else on either the British or American staffs.” Glen Perry, Washington colmunist, says: “Japan cannot feel safe as the British-American leaders get. down to business. The presence of American four-motored bombers in China is a sign of what is coming. There are other indications that Mr. Churchill and Mr. Roosevelt mav not confine their discussions to the Western Hemisphere.” “Invasions are planned months ahead,” says the “New York WorldTelegram,”' and presumably the Summer invasion preparations are now far advanced. There are immediate pressing problems on the general policy requiring agreement. A joint Allied Command is needed and something must be done quickly, for desperate China. Neither can the Pacific be neglected much longer. The ‘Few )Y|ork Times's” Washington correspondent notes that political commentators, almost without

exception, assume that some form of Pacific offensive is among the topics being discussed by Mr. Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill. CHURCHILL TO ADDRESS CONGRESS. RUGBY, Mav 13. Mr. Churchill, to-day, conferred with Mr. Sam Rayburn, Speaker of the House of Representatives, at White House, and accepted his invitation to address the Congress next Wednesday. The address will be to a joint session of Congress and Senate. A Washington message says the speech will probably be broadcast.

Mr. Churchill will broadcast on Friday at. 3 p.m. Eastern War Time (7 a.m. Nev; Zealand time on Saturday). It was disclosed at Whitehouse today that Mr. Churchill arrived in th e United States by ship. The last part of the journey to Washington was made by train.