MYSTERY ZONE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25213, 30 April 1943, Page 3

MYSTERY ZONE

ACTIVITY IN PACIFIC PREPARING FOR BATTLE (Rec. 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, Apl. 29. A network of military and aviation trails and strong-points is being steadily created by the United States across the Pacific, which is being turned into an ocean of fortresses against Japan. Japan, on her side, is equally busy, and Mr Walter Farr, of the London Daily Mail, who has just completed a tour of American bases, says: "The ever-growing forces of America and Japan are preparing for a show-down. Each is wrapped in a veil of military secrecy." Mr Farr, who flew from island to island, tells how coral reefs are being transformed by flying squads of American technicians into air bases. He points out that the operations are of great significance; first, because they mark an important phase in the Pacific battle, and secondly, because they will revolutionise post-war air travel. The area has been developed more in one year of war than in a century of peace.

“ One could call it the battle of 3000 islands,” says Mr Farr, ‘“for there are at least that number in the operations zone. The process of land, air, and sea fortifications is developing with increasing tempo. On their side of Ihe line the Japanese are burrowing and scooping into coral and volcanic rock, fortifying every usefully-situated atoll and bringing up large numbers of weapons, especially bombers. On their sidc of the line the Americans are making counter-moves. The public has got the idea from recent communiques that the Pacific war is meandering along with an occasional air-raid, but there is no meandering in this ‘ mystery zone,’ where each side prepares for decisive battles.”

Mr Farr says that ferocious combat may come with the speed of a tropical storm. He concludes by saying: “ This is the most astounding of all war fronts. Developments here will change the world beyond the imagination of most of us. Australia and New Zealand will come into their own. 1 would not be surprised to see a tremendous post-war boom in these countries.”