The Wanganui Chronicle. MONDAY. JUNE 19. 1944. BOMBING JAPAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 145, 19 June 1944, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle. MONDAY. JUNE 19. 1944. BOMBING JAPAN

|rth employment of super-Fortresses wherewith io bomb Japan marks a departure in the air war. Previously Japan was bombed from carrier-based planes; now these large machines are operating from bases inside China. The effect of these operations is an important factor in the new situation, for it will react seriously upon morale. But more A portant still, it is to be deduced, as Japan may be bombed so may every base of her armies in the occupied areas of China. The enemy in the Pacific is already deficient in air strength, and with this new striking force to contend against the deficiency will be accentuated from now on. Japan’s present condition leaves her extremely vulnerable to attacks on her lines of communication, both on the sea and on the (.'ontinent of Asia. Wherever her armies arc fighting the communications are vulnerable to attack and the risk of tins interference has now been enlarged. The bombing of the large towns of Japan can be expected to figure in the news from now on, but the less spectacular bombing of communication lines will probably affect the whole of the military set-up more than has been the case in Europe. The Germans had prepared for the war by collecting large quantities of materials such rail and other equipment, and the whole of the planning of recent years has been directed to the quick replacement of damaged plant. Japan was not so well equipped as was Germany in respect to industrial production, and especially in respect to the making of machine tools. Her position in this respect since she entered the war must have deteriorated, hence the destruction of her manufacturing plants will have a more permanent effect than the same destruction achieved against Germany’s industries. The future will witness an expansion of the Allied air strength in the eastern theatre. That will spell the. destruction of the war potential of Japan ami also the supplies that have been distributed in various overseas centres. It will also mean the. speeding-up of the destruction of Japan’s means of transportation.