IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JAPAN

Flak, Volume 1, Issue 5, 14 May 1943, Page 1

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF JAPAN

The world stood aghast when a detachment of the Japanese Navy slipped silently into Port Arthur and sank several Russian warships without giving a formal declaration of war. This occurred in 1904; yet the world seemed surprised when the suave little Japanese employed this pattern of trickery against the U.S.A, at Pearl Harbour in 1941. Hitler was impudent enough to publish his designs in “Mein Kampf,” and the world was foolish enough not to believe him. For years the elder statesmen of Japan have given the world the clearest exposition of their policy, but few have paused to listen. After their first triumphs, the Japanese divisions inundated the Asiatic mainland and the Netherland East Indies; the waters of abhorrent conquest rolled violently against the bulwarks of India, and (in the Pacific) the rami parts hastily thrown up by the Allies. In June last, the storm abated. Had the'Japanese Command'decided to consolidate their gains, or was the lull only preparatory to a further onslaught?

If the Imperial Diet had been convinced that enough territory had been obtained a new policy would certainly have been declared. In this case a close watch would have been maintained while Nippon greedily digested her victims. Nippon’s Intentions A communique issued by General MacArthur in March this year throws some light on Japanese intentions. He said: “The Japanese are now taking up positions in readiness. . . ” Unfortunately he declines to com> ment further on this topic. About the same time U.S. spokesmen in Congress declared that their Allies had resolved to direct their strength against Germany until Hitler’s power had been liquidated, and then to divert their attention to Japan. This policy involved holding the Japanese

meanwhile, and it certainly could not be accomplished by pursuing a static role. Fixed fortifications have often proved to be of greater service to the aggressor than to the defender. Recollecting the lessons from recent events, the U.S. Command decided to wage a “fluid” defensive. Daily air reconnaissance was carried out over enemy territory, and whenever a menacing concentration was . revealed, bombers were despatched to destroy it. Thus offensives were destroyed before they had time to develop. Recently, a number of transports left Rabaul for Lae (New Guinea). They were successfully intercepted, and the convoy dispersed. A little later our intelligence revealed that the Japanese were concentrating a

By. 2/Lieut. T. H. H. SKEET, 69th Hvy. A.A. Battery, N.Z.A.

considerable force at Kavieng in New Ireland. Promptly the R.A.A.F, dealt a surprise blow. Allied Defensive Arc No doubt feeling acutely Allied pressure in the south-western Pacific, the Japanese decided to convert Wewak into a potential supply base, and accordingly landing-strips and auxiliary air-fields were constructed in several localities, and an overland route pushed through to Lae, via Medang. This road was to enable supplies to be sent to the beleaugred troops in the south overland, if the Allied fighter command prevented provisions being carried direct. \

The Allies have thus kept the enemy engrossed along a huge arc extending from the Aleutians in the extreme north to the Andaman Island and Burma in the west.

A -commentator in the New York Times correctly, appraises the position when he states: “The ingredients for a flare-up have been cooking for some time, and it can be surmised that the brew will be boiling, soon.”

It is hardly to be expected that the Pacific volcano, after such a display of violence, will now remain dormant. It is hardly to be expected that the Japanese, inflamed by their remarkable triumph over a great Power during its embroilment in Europe, will be unconcerned about further acquisitions in the Pacific, even greater prizes are offering further south. ' Obligations to the Axis Tojo, in his frequent addresses to the Diet, has declared that Japanese aspirations reach south- . ward to those countries where Japanese surplus population can be settled without fear of congestion. Further, since Japan is a member of the Axis, it is scarcely to be expected that she will repudiate her obligations and refuse to co-operate with Hitler at this critical juncture. There is every reason to suppose that she will be induced to commence a fresh drive in the Pacific so that the heavy pressure borne by the Axis in Europe may be somewhat relieved.

While this unhealthy atmosphere prevails, nothing could be more foolish than to reach the conclusion that the menace of Japan has disappeared. The “Yellow Peril” manifest in 1900 is just as present to-day. Japan is determined to be master of the Pacific, and will proceed with her. design with the greatest tenacity until the Allies have made a really victorious stand.

“SHE’S MY LOVELY” Universal’s youthful singing star, Gloria Jean, makes a welcome re-ap-pearance in. the breezy romantic drama “She’s My Lovely,” which commences at the Majestic Theatre this week-end. Donald O’Connor plays her boy-friend. She is cast as a child singing celebrity who runs away from home to live a normal life after a near-collapse from over-work. Her remarkable soprano voice is heard in renditions of “Drink To Me Only,” and “Sempre Libre,” from “La Traviata.” “I Live On Danger,” the associate attraction, features Chester Morris and Jean Parker. FILM BREVITIES Abbott and Costello’s next film' is a screen adaptation of the famous Damon Runyon short story “It Ain’t Hay.” “ Sir Alexander Korda has left Hollywood to take charge of Metro-Gold-wyn-Mayer’s British productions. His company’s players will include Vivien Leigh and Ralph Richardson.