FIRST PACIFIC JOB

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1944, Page 5

FIRST PACIFIC JOB

THE PHILIPPINES MacArthur to be Sacked by Navy (Rec. 9.10). WASHINGTON, Sept. 18. Admiral Nimitz told the American Legion Convention at Chicago, by radio,* from the Pacific, that the American Navy’s part in the re-tak-ing of the Philippines will, be to support the campaign by General MacArthur’s forces. The American Associated Press points out that this is the first 'official announcement from the Navy High Command that the re-conquest of the Philippines would be General MacArthur’s task. Admiral Nimitz declared that the capture of the Palau Islands would, firstly, isolate the J’apanese forces in the Caroline Islands, thus rendering Truk almost useless. Secondly, it wquld place American forces in an improved position to strangle communications between Japan proper and the conquered territories of New Guinea, and the East Indies. Thirdly, it would remove a formidable obstacle to the eventual return of the Americans to the Philippines, giving them a base from which to cover and to support General MacArthur’s Philippine campaign. Admiral Nimitz said: While the Japanese have no room for optimism, the Americans have no room for overoptimism. Each new eastward advance increases our supply problem. The closer that we approach to Japan, the tougher and more compact will become the enemy defences. We have not yet come to grips with the main bodies of the well-trained Japanese Army. Furthermore, the Japanese Navy, though mauled, still poses a threat to the success of our operations.

Admiral Nimitz warned, that a victory in Europe will not immediately provide the Allies with all the means of quickly, overthrowing J'apan. “Our dirty trick department is working overtime,” said Admiral Halsey, who conferred with Admiral Mitscher for four hours aboard the Admiral’s flagship off Mindanao on Sunday. He added that he and Admiral Mitscher were planning more trouble for the Japanese. • He was asked whether the American advance would keep pace with the Japanese retreat. Admiral Hal-, sey replied:. “I hope we can, so that we can kick them in the backside.” Admiral Halsey is overall Commander for the Palau invasion, ’ and for accompanying aerial blows against the Philippines. U.S. PALAU LANDINGS. WASHINGTON, September 18. On Saturday night the enemy: counter-attacked the western flank of .our forward lines on Peleliu, but were thrown back, says a Pacific Fleet communique. An attack launched by the Ist Marine Division early on S'undav morning resulted in further gains northwards and the occupation of the town of Asais. Meantime, mopping up operations in the southern sector progressed. Ngarmoked Island, off the southern tip of Peleliu, has been captured. Two enemy aircraft bombed our positions yesterday, but there were no casualties. ■ Seabees are now rebuilding the Peleliu airfield. Heavy fighting continues on Angaur Island. Several enemy attacks have been repulsed, and good progress was made by the 81st Infantry Division. The northern half of the island, excepting some strongpoints along the western shore, is under our control.

Hardest Fight Yet FOR AMERICANS IN PALAU ISLANDS. (Rec. 9.5). WASHINGTON, Sept. 18. A Blue Radio Network correspondent, broadcasting from the. flagship off the Palau Islands, saiu: ihe I fighting on Peleliu Island is the bitterest cf the entire Pacific war. Ine Marines are making satisfactory prq- ' gress, but no portion of the island is i safe from the enemy fire.” , (Rec. 11.27) NEW YORK, Sept. 3 9 A correspondent of the combined radio net works says the crisis of. the I battle for Peleliu is at hand. Mannes virtually split the island m hail. Fighting in Angaur was less seveie. : The report adds the invasion is proI ceeding well.