The Northern Advocate “NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 1942. Developments In The Pacific

Northern Advocate, 15 August 1942, Page 2

The Northern Advocate “NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 1942. Developments In The Pacific

THOUGH no definite information has so far been released by the United Nations’ headquarters, it would seem that the struggle in the Solomons has not gone as the Japanese would have liked. It is reported that United States marines, supported by naval and air forces, have secured a substantial tooting on three, and perhaps four, islands. This has not been done without loss, for the Japanese have not only done much to strengthen the defences of the islands since they seized them, but they have fought with fierceness and determination to hold what is of paramount importance to their plans for extension of Japanese sovereignty in the southern Pacific.

Without official information, it is impossible to weigh up the situation as it stands today, but there is to be found ground for hopefulness in a statement credited to Colonel Knox, the Secretary to the United States Navy, who said, in reply to a question as to the position in the Solomons, “very good.” We hope this will prove to be the case, for it is imperative that the United Nations should secure a base from which to guard more efficiently and easily than is now possible the lines of communication between the United States and Australia and New Zealand. The re-possession of the Solomons, the loss of which was the aftermath of Pearl Harbour, is essential to the success of the United Nations’ eventual general offensive against Japan. But more than that is needed. It is therefore encouraging to know that the United Nations’ air forces have been operating successfully over New Guinea and New Britain. Enemy airfields and concentrations of planes have been damaged and satisfactory progress made generally. Australian infantry, it is reported, have also been active, for Kokoda, on the road from Buna to Port Moresby, has been recaptured. This is good news, for, taken in conjunction with increased aerial protection, the position of Port Moresby, a vital point in Allied strategy, is made more secure. More important still is the report that an enemy convoy, supported by Japanese war vessels, has been damaged in the waters of Timor. Little news regarding this battle is to hand, but American war correspondents in Australia seem to suggest that the fighting in the Solomons began in the nick of time to interfere with another Japanese attempt to invade Australian territory. It may be that the convoy was heading for Australia, or even New Zealand, as was that which was smashed in the Coral Sea, but, whatever its destination and purpose, the United Nations’ attack on the Solomons, as well as the activity in waters nearer Australia, caused the enemy to change his plans. These are matters the explanation of which must be awaited. The struggle in the Solomons is not finished, and it may transpire, as some commentators predict, that Japan will be obliged to stage full-scale naval operations in an endeavour to destroy the American fleet assembled in the vicinity of the islands. The issue of the battle is so important that the eagerness with which official news is being awaited is easily understood.