RIVAL FLEETS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25142, 5 February 1943, Page 5

RIVAL FLEETS

LIKELIHOOD OF CLASH

JAPAN’S NAVAL STRATEGY

(N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. Correspondent)

(.Rec. 11.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 4. “The main battle fleets of Japan and America are likely to. be engaged in the present action in the Solomons. The outcome may prove as imDortant for the Pacific as the victory of Stalingrad for Europe,” says the war correspondent of the American Associated Press in the South Pacific, in a despatch to-day dealing with the naval skirmishings which arc reported to be proceeding throughout the Solomons. Sizeable forces appear to be already involved in this series of engagements, which is taking place at scattered points. At a press conference in Washington the American Secretary for the Navy, Colonel Knox, is reported to have reaffirmed the belief which he expressed a few days ago, that the Japanese had given up their efforts to reinforce their troops on Guadalcanal’. But he added that he deduced from the present sea fighting that a major action was pending. Colonel Knox’s Views

Replying to Australian criticism that he had been over-optimistic in his statements a few days ago, Colonel Knox replied that after personally viewing the conditions he felt he was in a better position to judge the situation than an anonymous spokesman in Australia. He said he regretted that the time at his disposal had been insufficient for him to visit Australia and New Zealand.

Admitting the limitations imposed by the divided command in the South Pacific, Colonel Knox stressed the fact that General MacArthur and Admiral Halsey were working In the closest co-operation. i Here in Australia also some criticism is being made of the “anonymous” nature of the recent warnings of Japanese strength and the alleged offensive plans which had been given with apparent official sanction. The Prime Minister, Mr Curtin, told the Commonwealth House of Representatives “that the report that the enemy is building up his strength on the outer fringe of the islands is, I think, true. I ars not responsible for all the reports that appear or the interpretations placed upon them.” There is no doubt of the strength which the enemy is mustering to the north. There is no doubt, too, of his ability to convert it quickly from defensive to offensive purposes. The situation is one leaving no cause for complacency, and amply justifying the Australian plea for greater arms, particularly for air striking power. Japan’s Purpose

The isolation of Australia and New Zealand, rather than direct invasion of these countries, has long been accepted as an important purpose of the Japanese drive in the South Pacific. A British naval commentator, Commander Edgar Young, says that the latest enemy moves in the Solomons confirms this as Japan’s unswerving purpose.

War observers point out that the cutting of the Australian and New Zealand supply lines with the United States would eventually have consequences for Australia and New Zealand which would be, perhaps,, even more disastrous than direct enemy invasion attempts. The security of both countries is vitally bound up with the outcome of the naval showdown which is thought to be pending in the Solomons.