25 SHOT DOWN

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22064, 15 June 1943, Page 3

25 SHOT DOWN

JAPAN’S PLANE LOSSES

FURIOUS DOGFIGHTS SUCCESS OF AMERICANS

(Unitcrl Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. copyright) WASHINGTON, June 13

Twenty-five of a formation of 40 to 50 Japanese Zero fighters have been shot down by United States Navy, Army and Marine pilots in a furious dogfight near Russell Island, north-west of Guadalcanal’. The American losses were six planes, but four pilots are safe. The same morning Liberators encountered two Mitsubishi bombers 20 miles west of Buka Islands and destroyed one. The second great air battle of Russell Island was an even greater victory than that on June 7, in whicxi a similar number of enemy planes was intercepted and 19 shot down. These comparatively large-scale air actions, coupled with the further battle over Bougainville on June 5, when 15 Zeros were destroyed, give convincing proof of United States air superiority in the Solomons, says the Washington correspondent of the New York Times. Fires in Rabaul

Flying Fortresses and Liberators made the latest raid on Rabaul early on Sunday morning. Today’s communique from South-west Pacific headquarters make the following report: "Our heavy bombers attacked Vunakanau aerodrome in a two-hour night raid, dropping nearly 30 tons of explosives and incendiaries on runways and dispersal areas among planes on the ground. “Numerous large fires were started and were visible lor 50 miles. Searchlight and anti-aircraft defences were active. We had no losses.” Mr Curtin’s Optimism Commenting on the statement made last weex: by the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr J. Curtin, tne New York Herald Triib-une says: “Mr Curtin’s carefully-guarded announcement, althougn obscure, is almost cheerful. Optimism of any sort from Mr Curtin is so rare that it is bound to raise expectations for the Pacific theatre. “The capture of Attu Island, in the Aleutians, seems an obvious prehrrunary to additional operations. Some observers are already visualising a grand pincer movement launched simultaneously from the Aleutians and from Australian and other South Pacific bases. “Sjuch visions are premature, however,” the newspaper says, "as the mam route for an attack against Japan is still througn Burma and China. Decisive results in the Pacific theatre cannot be expected in 1943. it is impossible not to feel, however, that the Pacific, when properly correlated to global strategy, holds important opportunities lor offensive action.” Compromise Peace Wanted “Japan’s leaders are aiming at a ccmpicmise peace with the Allies,” says Mr Hallett Abend, formerly a correspondent for the New York Times in the Far East. “They expect the Allies to be war-weary after bringing Hitler to an unconditional surrender. “Any compromise proposed by Japan would leave her in possession of at least half of her present gains,” he points out. “It would be a victory for Japan. She would prepare and wait a new opportunity to attack us. Unless Japan is completely smashed, she will start another war, probably within 20 years.”