ATTU INVASION

Grey River Argus, 18 May 1943, Page 5

ATTU INVASION

CONFIDENCE IN U.S.

Gloomy Tokio Reports

[Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l

(Rec. 9.45.) WASHINGTON, May 17.

Although official news is still lacking about the American invasion of Attu in the Aleutians, Washington official circles are confident of an early victory. Only one communique has been issued since the island was invaded last Tuesday, and that was issued on Friday. It merely stated that fighting is in progress. Observers accept the absence of communiques as suggesting that fog and other adverse weather conditions have halted air and sea support for the Americans. But it is generally believed -that the battle continues ashore against the Japanese, who are dug into the rocky crevices abounding on the island. In contrast with Washington confidence, Tokio broadcasts appear to be preparing the Japanese public for bad news, saying that their troops in Attu are outnumbered.