NAVAL VICTORY

Grey River Argus, 18 October 1944, Page 5

NAVAL VICTORY

Claimed by Japan NEW YORK, Oct. 16 The Tokio radio claimed that Japanese planes intercepted and attacKed American carrier forces sent to Manila in a diversionary attempt to rescue the enemy task force now fleeing from Formosa. The radio claimed that the Japanese naval victory set back the impending invasion of the Philippines by at least two months. Meanwhile added the radio, the Japanese people are wildly celebrating the Formosa sea victory which made Hawaii and Malaya appear as sideshows, and which was comparable to the Russian fleet defeat in 1905. Premier Koiso, in a message to the nation said: “The enemy offensive against the Philippines has been dealt a sledge-hammer blow. The long-awaited opportunity for Japan's Pacific battle arrived. Our torpedoplanes and Navy air force showed mettle in the present action.” The Associated Press says the claims of victory in various jubilant Japanese broadcasts varied from forty to fifty-two American warships sunk or damaged. The Tokio radio quoted Admiral Nomura, former Ambassador to the United States, claiming a Japanes naval victory which would prove a turning point. He added that the present victory was insufficient to throw the Americans’ strategy out of gear. Premier Koiso, broadcasting to the nation, said: “Draw, the chin straps of your helmet tighter. We’ve dealt the ’ first hard blow to the enemy which gives us hope for tne battles ahead.” Koiso warned the Japanese not to break out in victory cheers prematurely, but to speed up poduction.