NAVAL POWER ENDED

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25286, 21 August 1945, Page 5

NAVAL POWER ENDED

HEAVY JAPANESE LOSSES FEW SHIPS STILL AFLOAT WASHINGTON, Ans. 10 A Navy spokesman issued a summary—which may be amended when the Allies enter Japan—disclosing the decline of the Japanese Navy since Pearl Harbour, when Japan had 10 battleships. She subsequently added two 45,000-ton battleships. All have been sunk. All her 15 heavy and light carriers have been sunk or disabled. Of 18 heavy cruisers, three are now effective. Of 25 light cruisers, three are believed to be left and of 250 destroyers, 40 survive. Fifty or 60 submarines remain of 190. REPLY TO THE KING TRIBUTE BY MacARTHUR LONDON, Aug. :v. General Mac Arthur, replying to the' King's victory congratulations, said: "I am deeply moved by your generous and inspiring message. The British Commonwealth forces under my command have conducted themselves magnificently throughout the campaigns. Never have British forces covered themselves with greater glory or been a firmer Or more secure bulwark for civilisation. It is my pride to have served with them in such invincible association."

FIGHTING QUALITIES HALSEY PRAISES BRITISH (Rccd. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 20 Admiral Halsey, Commander of the United States Third Fleet, broadcasting from the bridge of the British battleship Duke of York, said: "I have had many men of the great British Empire under my command at sea, in the air and on iand and they have acquitted themselves magnificently. It is a pleasure for any American commander to know that He is being backed up by the great fighting qualities which the British have always had and which we Ameri cans have. 1 hope, inherited from them."