A STRATEGIC MOVE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 264, 7 October 1942, Page 4

A STRATEGIC MOVE.

Between the western tip of the Aleutian Islands and Unalaska lies the Andreanov group which the United States has occupied with a strong military force. They are one of four groups which make up the many islands —the others being Fox, Rat, and Near Islands. With the Japanese firmly established at the western end there was a pronounced belief, particularly in Alaska, that the time was not far distant when the enemy would make a serious assault upon the continent. But between his outposts and Alaska are several strong bases which would not only require large forces to overcome, but would entail severe losses of naval craft and personnel in accomplishing this. The Japanese have not shown any disposition to advance further and have cautiously held to their gains, suffering destruction. from bombing attacks. The threat to the continent has been removed by America’s advance and with it is a considerable strategical gain. This is the shortest route to Japan from the United States. From Hutch Harbour to the Japanese naval base in the Kurile Islands is 1640 miles, and the Andreanov Islands are only 125 miles from Kiska, the half-way point, where the Japanese are installed. Before further progress can be made this base, which the enemy no doubt has fortified to some extent, must be retaken, a task that will no doubt prove difficult but is not insuperable. It is being hammered by heavy American bombers now operating from airfields in the Andreanov group, which will,be file.bridgehead for the assault when it is launched.