ALLIED ATTACK

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 11 August 1942, Page 5

ALLIED ATTACK

MAY BE UNDER GHORMLEY NEW ZEALAND INTEREST It appears to be more than possible, states the Press Association correspondent at a South Pacific port, that when the complete story unfolds of the Allied attack on the Japanese positions in the Solomon Islands, it will be found that New Zealand has had an immediate, though indirect personal interest in itThe first communique, issued by Admiral Chester Nimitz at Pearl Harbour, stating that “forces of the United States Pacific Fleet and Pacific Ocean areas, assisted by units in the South-west Pacific area.” had launched offensive operations, makes it reasonable to conjecture that Vice-Ad-miral Robert Lee Ghormley, commanding the South Pacific area, is playing an important part in the erationThere are a number of reasons why this is more than probable. One is to be found in Admiral Ghormley’s own character. It has been clear ever since his arrival in New Zealand that this American is not a man to cherish the warmth of a comfortable armchair ashore. In several actions taken by the United States and Allied task forces in the Pacific area in the last few months he has had of necessity to watch events from a distance. To an officer who regards the simplest definition of war as being a matter of killing the greatest number of the enemy in the shortest possible time, this must have been irksome. Admiral Ghormley has been living for the day when carefully-laid preparations could be turned into an offensive. The present action, though its immediate objectives may be limited, is of the type for which he and other Pacific area commanders have been working through several months of restrained impatience. Another reason is to be found in Admiral Ghormley’s professional capacity, which is of the highest order. Such an action calls for planning of the greatest skill, and Admiral Ghormley is the Allies’ No. 1 naval tactician in the whole of the south Pacific and the south-west Pacific Ocean area. It therefore seems reasonable to assume that Admiral Nimitz would place in Admiral Ghormley’s hands the responsibility for executing his own orders. Admiral Nimitz himself is commander-in-chief whose duty makes it impossible for him to fly his flag at sea. He has to delegate his responsibility and wait for the result. Again, Admiral Ghormley is the senior Allied naval commander in the same broad flung area. Here is another reason for the belief that an operation on the scales which the Solomons attack appears to be would be placed in his care. Indeed everything points to the attack being under Admiral Ghormley’s direct control- At least he probably has supreme tactical control of the actionHe is commander-in-chief of forces which may even include New Zealand naval units, though it is most improbable that any other New Zealand forces are taking part. The landing operations are more likely to be carried out by American forces. INTENSE AIR ACTIVITY RABAUL THE MAIN TARGET MANY DIRECT HITS Sydney, Aug. 10. In the third day of attacks against potential air reinforcement points for the Solomons, Allied air raids on Sunday lost nothing of their intensity. Rabaul was again the main target for day and night attacks being made on aerodromes in the area. Many direct hits were scored on runways and five intercepting Zero fighters were shot down in combat. To-day’s communique from General MacArthur’s headquarters makes no mention of Allied losses. Gasmata, also in New Britain, figured in Sunday’s attacks, an Allied heavy bomber unit raiding a landing ground. Allied mediu: . bombers strongly attacked the building area and harbour installations at Salamaua. A supply ship received two direct hits and was left burning. A landing jetty was hit, several buildings demolished, and an anti-aircraft position was silenced. All our aircraft returned. To-day’s communique also reports that our ground patrols in the Kokoda area have inflicted casualties on the enemy.—P.A. “CRUSHING ANSWER TO CRITICS” COMMENT BY DR. EVATT Melbourne, Aug. 10. Dr. Evatt, Federal Minister for External Affairs, referring to-night to “misleading and mischievous statements on strategy and supplies,” said one crushing answer to the critics who suggested the strategic importance of the Pacific theatre was insufficiently appreciated was the offensive now developing in the Solomons. It was impossible to discuss publicly details of strategy, tactics and supply allocations. The War Council had been fully consulted on all important questions. What had been agreed to by Mr Churchill and President Roosevelt showed full recognition of Australia’s strategic importance. Excepting temporary suspensions due to the war’s overriding necessities, all those arrangements were fully met. Our debt to both countries was very great. Having regard to the serious position in other theatres it was utter folly to suggest that the Pacific was not regarded by British and United States leaders as of crucial importance. —P.A.