BASES IN CHINA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 10 February 1944, Page 5

BASES IN CHINA

ADMIRAL NIMITZ’S OBJECTIVE ALLIED PUSH ACROSS PACIFIC JAPAN TO BE BOMBED LIKE GERMANY Pearl Harbour, Feb. 9. Admiral Nimitz told a press conference that his objective was to move ground and air forces across thc Pacific into China as early as possible. "In the last analysis I do not believe we can defeat Japan from thc sea alone,” said Admiral Nimitz. "The Japanese can only be defeated from China bases because they draw food, iron and other supplies from Manchuria and China, and while they have access to them they will be difficult to beat. Furthermore we want air bases in China, from which to deliver air raids like the Germans are receiving.”

Asked whether the invasion of the Marshalls meant that the Pacific war was being pushed without waiting for the end of the European conflict, Admiral Nimitz replied: “This operation speaks for itself. It is evidence that we are not waiting for the end of the European war, but are pushing across the Pacific.”

Admiral Nimitz expressed the opinion that American naval and air forces combined could take any Japanese position not defended by coastal guns big enough to keep a fleet away. The Japanese were now greatly embarrassed by lack of destroyers for escort and screening purposes Admiral Nimitz agreed that Jpaanese air forces had definitely weakened.

ACTIVITY OF U.S. BOMBERS (Rcc. 10.40 a.m.) Chungking. Feb. 9. United .SV.tes bombers have been active in the last two days over occupied China and French lndo-China, says General Stilwell’s communique. They sank several freighters and barges on the Yangtse river near Siangkow, destroyed two railway bridges at Euchi. and strafed a warehouse and train at Kienchang. Mitchells scored direct hits on port plant and near misses on railway bridges at Thanso, in French Indo-China.