Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1943-07-31
The Time to Beat
Japan Is Now!

FFICIAIDOM at Washington is at last realizing or
" at least acknowledging, the tremendous magnitude
of our war with Japan.
They now recognize that, while have allies in the
Pacific is We who must win the war for China lacks
the resources and Australia lacks both the and
the population to drive back the hordes of Nippon.
The official statement that must make an enor-
nous effort against Japan made by Vice Admiral
Frederick Horne vice chief of naval operations in the
presence Of Secretary of the Navy Knox at special press
conference.
The navy. said Admiral Horne believes that in order
to achieve victory must have both fleet and an air
force in the Pacific twice large those of Japan.
I'VE are planning material and ships" the admiral
explained "for a war that will last AT LEAST UNTIL
1949."
Admiral Horne also said that the navy's calculation
is not "pessimistic"
IOWEyER the prospect Of six years of Asatc warfare
| l can hardly be regarded reason for optimism,
especially view Of military engrossment in Europe and
our impoverishng endease commitments around the world
Such war might very well be A WAR OF EXHAUSTION
for ourselves even though should finally occupy Japan
itself.
But the Pacific war is to be proracted and enfee
bling will be due in part the administrations whole pre-
attitude toward that war.
We were allowed 10 surprised Pearl fiarbor and 10
have our Pacific fleet put virtually out of action.
Thereafter we failed to rescue Gen Wainwright and his
the Philippines giving Japan huge sea base
above the Indies.
~
supreme Allied forces in the the admins
traon delayed giving him his commission until weeks had
until Australia frantic with the fear OF nVa-
sion: then the administration set up divided command IN
the Pacific; finally it not until months more had
passed public opinion heavily ncensed that Mac
Arthur began to receive apanes and renorcemens to
conduct even the minor oensives which he has brilliantly
carried out
THE trouble the administration had its mind and
its eyes almost solely the European war.
We seemed to be interested in defeating the Nazs
than we were defeating the Japanese who had attacked us
and had actually seized American territory.
We seemed about saving Soviet Russia than
recovering lost possessions and protecting
our own Pacific Coast.
troops encouraging victories IN the Meder-
ranean where supplied the largest IA
history
Gen. Macarthur with only fraction Of the same sup
port has wthstood weight of Japan and with anything
like adequate support Macarthur would break the might of
Japan.
For Japan is not invincible-YET
But former Ambassador Grew, who understands the
Pacific situation better other statesmen has
warned repeatedly Japan will BE nvincble permit
her TO be- merely give her the TINE in which to exploit
and forty mmeasuraby rich and to organize
the vast subjugated populations under her flag
WHILE we are EXTENDING military and economic
w strength Europe Japan is AMASSING and DEVEL-
OPING military and economic strength in Asia
Obviously therefore, if continue TO wage slow,
delayed and desutory in the Pacific will increase
manifold the lives and material that will be required
to overthrow Japan YEARS FROM NOW-n indeed we can
then succeed in doing it.