Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1943-03-14
The ar
Today
Japs Weakened
in Sea Battle, but
viii Hit Again
BY REAR ADMIRAL CLARK IL.
WooDW ARD, U. :. NAVY

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A. large
THE END al Is months OF
war in The Pacific VAS cole
brated by the brilliant Allied
victory over the japanese m the
three-day Bismarck Sea battle.
This Is greatest aerial
triumph Of the war neither sur
face craft nor ground forces
having contributed 10 the VIC
tory.
This and other top-ranking
Allied victories 49, Coral Sea.
Midway and Guadalcanal--
plus our submarine activities
have undeniahly reduced Japan s
striking power with consequent
serious dislocation Of her
strategy.
Apparently the ebb-tIde If
JApan's aggression has definitely
set in.
THE RESULTING upsurge Of
optimism regarding the outlook
In the Pacific is not. however,
justified. For. regardless OF the
several localized Allied victories,
the japanese still have lot Of
punch left and are long way
from being beaten.
Except for few islands in the
Solomons and a part OF New
Guinea. they still hold all the
TERRITORY they have conquered
Moreover. Jspan,s armies are
virtually intact.
Larger and tougher battles IN
doubtedly lie ahead.
With new air bases constantly
showing UP on Japan's island
perimeter" and seven divisions
of troops distributed among New
Britain. New Guinea, the north
ern- Soiomons and fimoF, we
may reasonably assume that
they will continue their efforts
10 drive the Allies out OF their
presently held positions.
A NEW Jap drive would be
designed 10 prevent further
Allied encroachment 20 the
northward. but more particu-
larry 10 regain the strategic out
posts from which both to harass
the Allies vital line Of communi-
cations and 10 launch an often
sive against Australia. For the
present. at least, Australia
should be- safe from invasion.
Enemy bases on the islands
forming an arc about the upper
part Of Australia have been con-
SANITY reinforced in the last
several weeks, apparently In
Preparation for some ma or
move on this front.
In addition, and despite the
Severe reverses suffered last
week, the japanese forces con-
centrsted in the waters off New
Britain appear 10 be preparing
for another thrust southwark.
These activities may be more
Tor defensive than for offensive
purposes--or they may he for
both, depending upon circum-
stances. Time alone will reveal
the answer.
THE BISMARCK SEA defeat
A. fresh evidence Of Japan's in
creasing weakness in the air.
but Cen. Macarthur has warned
that Jspan's air strength in the
southwest Pacific is now increas-
tng--indicsting that planes are
being withdrawn from other
areas.
= As for the Allies, the new
Pacific victory demonstrates that
their growing air power will per
nit sweeping offensive moves in
the future. instead of the slow
and costly island-hopping Jumps
formerly thought necessary.
Sharply on the heels az the
Bismarck Sea battle, Premier
TOTO announced that 1913 rs the
year in which the Issue Of the
World War must be decided "
That the Allies are about
ready 10 meet this challenge is
evident.