LONG-TERM STRATEGY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 24, 28 December 1942, Page 5

LONG-TERM STRATEGY

APPROACHES TO JAPAN

(Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY, Dec. 27. The long-drawn-out nature of the fighting in Papua and the SouthEast Solomons indicates clearly that approach towards Japan from these areas is manifestly inadequate for an Allied offensive, declares the New York Times military correspondent Major H. Baldwin, discussing longterm strategy of the war against Japan. “New fronts must be opened,” he writes. “Additional drives may have to come- eastward from the Continent of Asia and westward from Hawaii. “The re-conquest of Purina with the consequent reopening of the Burma Road is a necessary prelude to an assault on Japan’s mainland forces in China, or seizure of air liases within easy operating range of the Japanese home islands. “There are two sea approaches to Japan: ward move from Pearl Harbour, Midway, and Johnson Islands towards Wake, Marcus, Guam, the Marianas, and possibly some of the Boniras. Such an advanco would greatly simplify tlie American supply problem, _ shortening supply lines as compared with a major effort from Australia. Furthermore, it would' obviate the necessity of reconquering many South Pacific islands held by the Japanese, which would be outflanked and their communications with Japan either cut or severely impaired (2) “Japan is approachable from northeastern bases in Alaska and the Aleutians, via stepping' stones of the outer islands toward the Kuriles. Such an advance would probably necessitate tho use of the Russian bases at Pctropavlovsk or Kamchatka. Jlowovcr. the prevailing weather is extremely adverse, making victory in sea and air engagements largely a matter of luck. We would not be able to exert our superior power as effectively as in the clear dependable weather further south.” , On view of the Far East is tho possibility of big naval battles based on the view that the Japanese have so far held back most of their modern ships and have not yet fully deployed their fleet. It is observed that they are fighting m the Solomons qnd New Guinea with a lanaticism not displayed even by tho Nazis. Well-informed circles express the opinion that British operations in Burma are chiefly of an exploratory nature at this stage. .. The Admiralty announcement tliat a naval force had carried out a heavy air attack on the north-west tip of Sumatra is regarded as encouraging in that General Wavell is now supported by sea and air, and is of such power that he can seize the initiative and' strike for command of the Indian Ocean.