MASTERY OF PACIFIC IN BALANCE

Southland Times, Issue 24765, 9 June 1942, Page 5

MASTERY OF PACIFIC IN BALANCE

SEA AND AIR FIGHTING CONTINUES (United Press Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Rec. 1 a.m.) LONDON, June 8. The Japanese have withdrawn their badly mauled forces from the Midway Island area and the battle has been broken off at least for the meantime, leaving the Americans in firmer control than ever. However, Admiral E. J. King, Commander-in-Chief of the combined U.S. fleets disclosed at a Press conference in Washington that two large scale battles, involving aerial and naval forces, are at present in progress one beyond Midway and the other in the vicinity of Dutch harbour. Naval operations are still progressing from Hawaii to the Aleutian Islands. Admiral King added that the Japanese obviously intended to occupy Midway since they had thrown the bulk of their sea power into the action there. He declared that Hawaii must be held at all costs and described Pearl Harbour as the key to the Pacific. Admiral King declined to say specifically whether the Japanese had been defeated in the Midway Battle, simply stating, “They have withdrawn.” He stated that American losses, so far, were relatively inconsiderable in comparison with those of the enemy. Admiral King emphasized that the battle raging in the Midway area may determine the outcome of the war in the Pacific. A communique from Admiral Nimitz states: Additional damage was inflicted on two enemy cruisers. Until all reports are checked it is impossible to state whether these cruisers are in addition to those included in previous reports. One enemy destroyer was sunk and one United States destroyer was sunk by a submarine, but nearby ships rescued the personnel with small loss of life.

American shore based aircraft played a large part in the Midway Battle, Admiral King revealed, but pointed out that the enemy also has a great deal of shore based aircraft. This meant that it would not be advisable for the American forces to try to follow the retreating Japanese Fleet. Admiral King emphasized this important point because among “the 130,000,000 amateur strategists in this country” many probably advocated such mopping up action. Admiral King said the situation at Dutch Harbour was somewhat obscure, firstly because the weather had been bad for several days and secondly because the report of the naval officers in the action gave only minimum information to Washington. Asked whether the Japanese threw everything into the Midway Battle, Admiral King replied, “Perhaps not everything, but the bulk of it. One of their methods in doing things is not sending a boy to do a man’s job. U.S. PRESS JUBILANT The American Press takes full opportunity to crow victoriously over the outcome of the Midway Island Battle. The New York Times states: It is certain that the great sea battle for Midway has been a stunning defeat for Japanese sea power. The outcome of the battle leaves Japan repulsed, with heavy losses, in a daring, massive attempt to destroy the heart of our strength in the Pacific. It finds a great Japanese Fleet exposed and vulnerable, far from its bases and in perilous flight. The Herald Tribune contends: It is apparent that Japanese losses more than outweigh American material losses at Pearl Harbour and must be a dislocating blow to any further Japanese operations de-

pendent on sea power. Commenting on the battle of Midway Island Mr Oliver Lyttelton, Brit-

ish Minister of Wat Production who is at present visiting America, said it would undoubtedly improve the chances of delivering the tools necessary for increasing production in Australia and India. DECISIVE ACTION Authoritative sources in Australia draw two rather optimistic conclusions from the heavy Japanese reverse in the Midway Island sea battle, says the Melbourne correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald. Firstly, the invasion threat to Australia has temporarily eased; secondly a very decisive step has been taken towards paving the way for opening a second front in the Western Pacific. The correspondent adds that responsible officers, noted for their caution in assessing the value of the naval and air clashes which have so far taken place, are showing their first signs of jubilation. It is held possible that the Dutch Harbour attack and the submarine pentration into Australian coastal waters were intended as diversions to scatter Allied naval strength. The Pacific High Command refused to fall into the trap. Naval forces were held together and met the enemy attack at full action strength. The accepted official belief is that the Pacific war will be won or lost on naval supremacy. The Japanese cannot afford to lose any more aircraftcarrier strength and even her present losses will make a success in the Western Pacific easier for all types of American forces. General MacArthur has sent the following message to Admiral Nimitz: “The splendid victory at Midway has aroused the greatest enthusiasm throughout this area. The Prime Minister of Australia (Mr J. Curtin) has asked me to join his felicitations to those of all ranks here. My own pride and satisfaction are boundless. We will not fail.”