THE NEXT JAPANESE MOVE

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLXII, Issue 15244, 9 January 1943, Page 3

THE NEXT JAPANESE MOVE

SPECULATION IN AUSTRALIA. United Press Assn.- 3y Elec trie. Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, January 8. While Rabaul’s role as a dispersal point involves periods of unavoidable congestion, the “'Sydney Telegraph’’ today declares that “official Federal circles are concerned because the latest move means a Japanese offensive either against th© southern Solomons or New Guinea. It is possible that, linked with serious activities in Timor, the enemy move around Rabaul may presage a twopronged Japanese drive. Northwestern Australia, may be the goal of one or tiny offensive. Port Moresby or Guadalcanal' could b© the objective of the other. The situation need never have arisen had the Allied leaders heeded the recent appeals by the Australian Prime Minister (Mr Curtin) for greater air and sea power in this theatre.” Many observers believe that the j Japanese shipping concentrations at Rabaul implies a no more far-reach-ing offensive than is necessary for the enemy to secure their Solomons. New Guinea and Timor defensive arc, but the “Sydney Herald” points out that, whatever its purpose, the inference is inescapable that an added United Nations air strength would make it a. comparatively simple matter to play havoc among ar v shipping th© Japanese chose to move south of Truk. “Shouting across tin* world concorning matters of strategical importance.” has been deplored by Mr P. C. Spender. M.P.. who recently returned from a visit to America and England. “I believ© that from the Prime Minister down, there should be a Minister going overseas every two months to explain our problems face to face with those in authority,” declared Mr Spender. “The only wav to convince the pedple who matter is by sitting down with them and talking.” Whil© still advocating that Mr Curtin should visit Washington, Australian newspapers today declare that it is unlikely that th© Prime Minister himself will make th© trip at this stage. Mr Curtin is 58 today. Further moves to quicken the Australian war tempo have been announced. Six hundred thousand workers in reserved occupations are t 0 have their exemptions reviewed within the next few weeks. Men not indispensable to industry will be made available for military service. Others found fit who cannot be released immediately will be replaced as opportunity occurs. Mr Curtin has declared that to conserve manpower, it will be necessary in coming months to restrict further the volume of goods available to the civilian population.