The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1943-08-20
Observations
Low Casualties
Sufficient Reply
For Critics

WASHINGTON - Skeptics who
once worried about the ability Of
American military and naval strsts-
gists 10 outwit the Wsr-prepared
Axis leaders have had to change
their opinions during the past year.
The reason-remarkably low l..
s casualties in smphibious opera
tions in both the Pacific and Medi-
terranean areas.
Even some high-ranking' military
and naval leaders were surprised
by the comparatively small price
paid by American forces in estab-
fishing beachheads.
Secret OF American success has
been careful planning, superb sea
and air support and, most OF all,
the fact that in each case the
American planners surprised the
Axis and outguessed them
The Japs we're not prepared for
the twin Hank landing on Attu. and
cons equently. American troops
suffered few battle casualties in the
landing operations.
Heavy enemy resistance Was eN-
pected in Guadalcanal in August
1912, but there, too, the Japs were
caught of guard. The same cagey
tactics were employed in recent
landings on New Georgia Island in
the Solomons where the Americans
outflanked the Munda airteld by
landing at Niru Harbor and other
points The same held true in
Sicily. with American. British and
Canadian forces landing al beaches
that were only lightly defended
probably because the Axis thought
the terrain was too difficult for
landing
The /. s. Navy has sprung some
terrific surprises TO upset the so
called "inyincible' Japanese Navy
American carrier planes trapped
them of Midway in June, 1912, and
virtually broke the back Of Nip
ponese striking power In the bat
tie Of Guadalcsnal. Nov. 1915, last
year the Nanks completely routed
the Japs and struck such blow
that the sons OF heaven subse-
quently lost the island.
Prediction: Look for more sur
prises and daring thrusts at the.
Axis in the near future.
Rebellion in Congress probably
will Kill the plan OF Robert Sher-
wood owl foreign director. to
broadcast both sides OF the coming
presidential campaign TO soldiers
and sailors stationed abroad
Some leading New Deal senators
declared that political broadcssts,
in the good old American fashion.
with each side denouncing the 9th
err would be harmful TO soldier
morale and would cause damage
among civilian listeners in other
countries.
From President Roosevelt to sup
porters OF the Ball-Burton-HilI-
Hatch resolution calling for forma-
tion OF a United Nations organizs-
ton and a postwar police force
came assurance that he will not
interfere with Senate debate and
consideration.
American beer drinkers will be
looking for some other equally re-
freshing beverage TO help quench
their thirst-probabl for the dura-
ton. .NPB now reports that brew.
ers. short OF materials, will brew
about the same amount OF beer they
did in 1912. But -. the nation
is so per cent thirstier for beer than
II was last year.
Watch for public charges in the
next month that Secretary Of IN
terror Ickes' oil policies favor big
companies at the expense OF east
ern farm cooperatiyes. with the
claim that the co-ops are being
denied supplies for their members.
The Chinese had a word for II.
They used to say that one picture
was worth 10000 words.
Elmer Davis Office OF War In
formation now has 10000 pictures.
but il IL at loss for words
When an economy-minded Con
gress recently slashed Davis bud
get for owl domestic operations
from Ss,s00.OG0 TO $500 900. 1t par
ed the agency's Photographic unit
from 80 people down TO Harry Cole
man, chief OF the section: three
photographers. and couple Of
clerks Coleman got $50 900 a year
TO run on.
Result: Owl possesses some To-
900 pictures made al a cost OF thou
sands OF dollars over the past year.
but it has no personnel 10 fle care
for and distribute the prints Thus.