The Waikato Times. THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1945. PORTENTS IN PACIFIC

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22612, 17 May 1945, Page 4

The Waikato Times. THURSDAY, MAY 17, 1945. PORTENTS IN PACIFIC

The Chinese Army’s entry into the big port of Foochow after four years of Japanese occupation has been accepted as an indication of preparation for an Allied landing on the coast of China. It may be so, but there is ample evidence that there will still be heavy fighting before the Allies can set foot in the port. Foochow is covered by the large island of Formosa, which is probably one of the strongest Japanese positions. A landing at the port could be opposed by Japanese air strength from both sides. It seems more probable that Foochow will not see an Allied landing until Formosa has been subdued or until Japanese air power in this area has been smashed. Foochow is more than 500 miles from Okinawa, so that aerial support for a landing could come only from the longest-range land-based fighters.- Possession of Formosa, however, would alter the whole situation.

Hopes of an early Japanese collapse will be damped by the quality of the enemy's opposition on Okinawa Island. Powerful American forces have been hammering at the island’s defences for many weeks for comparatively small gains. There is no doubt that the Americans eventually will triumph, but when the rate of progress made is compared with the vast territories held by the Japanese there is cause to expect a long and bloody struggle. It is conceded that the Japanese have reason for moral collapse; that with the loss of the German ally there is no hope of success; that the Allies have overwhelming naval and air superiority; but will any of these considerations weigh with an enemy who has proved himself as fanatical as the Japanese? Common sense as it is appreciated in the Western world would suggest prompt recognition of an impossible position, but the Japanese acknowledges no debt to civilisation and suicide has few terrors for him. Unless there is a radical chance in the Japanese attitude, therefore, the Allies should prepare for a long and bitter struggle. An acceleration in the attack can certainly be expected as soon as Allied strength can be transferred from the west to the east. The Americans have performed remarkably well with that portion of their strength which has been employed in the Pacific, and the British and their allies have done well in Burma, but there is yet a long way to go before Japan’s grip on South-east Asia and China is loosened. If the remaining defensive battles are as stubborn as those on Okinawa, New Guinea and the Philippines the breakingdown process will be painful and slow. Japan will face her greatest crisis if or when the Russians either enter the war or grant the Allies air bases in Russian territory overlooking the Japanese mainland. This is a problematical development, however, and the Allies must proceed as though these advantages will not be available. Japan is a doomed nation but there is no evidence yet of the likelihood of a moral collapse even such as occurred in Germany near the end.