TWO-PRONGED DRIVE

Grey River Argus, 29 April 1944, Page 5

TWO-PRONGED DRIVE

By MacArthur and Nimitz I Aus. &■ N.Z. Press Atsn 1 (Rec. 8.50.) WASHINGTON, Apr. 27. General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz held a conference at General MacArthur’s headquarters. The Associated Press of America comments: Their meeting is considered as significant in the light of recent Allied moves in the South-west Pacific and Central Pacific. Apparently these moves are involving a two-pronged drive against the Southern Philippines.

Complete Agreement MACARTHUR AND NIMITZ. H ALSEY’S COMMAND ELIMINATED. (Rec. 7.30.) NEW YORK, April 28. Mr. Kluckhorn, the “New York Times ” New Guinea correspondent says: It is understood that the elimination of Admiral Halsey’s command and his assignment to new duties, have been brought about at the meeting of General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz. It is also understood that Admiral Halsey’s equipment has been divided between Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur. “There is now an integration of Admiral Nimitz’s and General MacArthur’s plans,’’ the correspondent says. “The geographical divisions of the two commands have not been changed. The fact that Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur have got along splendidly together means that a basis of personal friendship has been established, which will have a greater effect upon unity in future operations than any formal agreement might have accomplished. “General MacArthur has made no secret that his primary objective is to return to the Philippines as rapidly as possible. Therefore, it is certain that no agreement would have been possible unless Admiral iNimitz had concurred in this. Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur have, in effect, expressed agreement that they should operate together. This does not mean that General MacArthur's and Admiral Nimitz’s forces will work jointly continually; but it does mean that the two have agreed as to what part of the job of retaking the Philippines and of attacking Japan each will play, and that they will work together when it is advisable and practicable.

Met in Australia

THE PACIFIC COMMANDERS.

(Special to N.Z. Press Assn.) (Rec. 11.45) SYDNEY, April 28. A momentous conference at which there were formulated plans for speeding up the war in the Pacific has been announced from General MacArthur’s Headquarters. Revealing that there has been a recent meeting in Australia, of General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz, a special statement from the South-west Pacific Headquarters says; “General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz conferred regarding the future operations in the Pacific of their two commands. Plans were completely integrated, so that a maximum of co-operative effort might be exerted against the enemy.” Nov/ that Admiral Halsey’s South Pacific Command has virtually ceased to exist, it is authoritatively stated that there will be only two Pacific Commands —MacArthur’s and Ni_mitz’s. The shattering effect with which these commands are able to work together was brilliantly demonstrated in last week’s New Guinea landings. General MacArthur provided the men and land fighting material, while Admiral Nimitz furnished a powerful naval escort to convoy the attack forces and blaze a trail for their landings. The official statement that the commanders aim c.t “the maximum .of co-operative effort” is interpreted to mean that further co-ordinated blows are in prospect.