NIMITZ’S ESTIMATE

Grey River Argus, 2 December 1943, Page 5

NIMITZ’S ESTIMATE

GILBERTS VICTORY Hardest U.S. Job Yet ■ ENEMY'S WILL TO FIGHT. [Aust. & N.Z. Press Assn-3 TO (Rec. 11.30.) PEARL HARBOUR Dec. 1, i Admiral Nimitz has returned here from a visit to the battle-scarred island of Tarawa in the Gilberts. He said: — “Tarawa was the most difficult attack that United States forces have made in the Pacific. It atsgurs wen for the future that we were able to crack this heavily defended Japanese position.” , _ He hinted at future Central Pacific offensives. Admiral Nimitz said: We shall continue constant pressure on the Japanese. After viewing the enemy’s wrecked fortifications at Tarawa, I learned more than I ever knew before of what the Japanese can do, I was greatly impressed by their highly organised defences, and by the large number of Japanese troops on the island. < “The Japanese have not lost their will to fight. Their army has barely been touched. They are well-trained-They are full of fight. However, it is doubtful whether they have either the means or the stomach to retake Tarawa Island.” , Admiral Nimitz declared that the South Pacific campaign against Rabaul and Bougainville had aided the Gilbert Islands’ campaign by diverting and unbalancing the enemy’s fleet and air power. RUGBY, Nov. 30. United States aircraft are already using the Japanese airstrip at Tarawa, Gilbert Islands according to a statement by Colonel Knox reported from Washington. The Secretary of the Navy adds that ships are still operating in that area but the losses so far are light. U.S. LOSSES AT TARAWA. LONDON, Nov. 30. Asked why the Tarawa casualties were so heavy, Colonel Knox said that when the wind and sea conditions changed unexpectedly the wave of attacking Marines became lodged on a reef where they were exposed to Japanese fire. NEW COMMANDER FOR MARINES (Rec. 11.40). WASHINGTON, Dec. 1. Colonel Knox (Navy Secretary) has announced that LieutenantGeneral Alexander Vandergrift has been appointed as Commandant oi the Marine Corps, succeeding Gen. Holcomb, who is reaching the retiring age.