MOVE BETRAYED

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24270, 11 May 1942, Page 5

MOVE BETRAYED

ENEMY PREPARATIONS ALLIES HIT FIRST ARMADA INTERCEPTED (Reed. 9.30' p.m.) CANBERRA, May 10 A communique issued at Allied headquarters concerning the Coral Sea Battle says: "This action represents the continued efforts of the Japanese to extend their aggressive conquests toward the south and south-east. "His first efforts were aimed at expanding hjs air bases, but our Allied force has consistently and effectively attacked his fields in the past six weeks, dislocating his plans through the destruction of installations and aircraft "Our reconnaissance revealed the gradual building up of naval and transport elements for a co-ordinated attack by combined forces, which was initiated several days ago. Our naval forces then attacked in interception. They were handled with marked skill, and fought with admirable courage and tenacity, and the enemy has been effectively repulsed. Our attacks will continue." A further communique states: "The enemy's version of the battle off the north-east coast of Australia is entirely fictional. It hah no semblance cf a true communique of fact. It must be regarded in the light of propaganda lather than as a military report. "His claims of damage inflicted on cur naval forces are fantastic. Our losses compared with his own were relatively "ght. The only reason they are not published at present is because they would reveal to him valuable information." The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. J. Curtin, said: "The Coral Sea Battle w part of the struggle which must continue until" the enemy is defeated, or are conquered What has been done this week has been done only because o) the matchless quality, skill and courage the Allied naval and air forces. We can he proud and grateful for what has been done."