Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1943-07-30
The Time to Beat
japan Is Now!

FFICIAtDOM at Washington is at last realizing, or
~ at least acknowledging, the tremendous magnitude
of our with Japan.
They now recognize that while have allies in the
Pacific il is we who win the for China lacks
the resources and Australia lacks both the and
the population to drive back the hordes of Nippon.
The Official statement that we must make enor-
nous effort against Japan was made by Vice Admiral
Frederick Horne 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 we must have both fleet and air
force in the Pacific twice large those Of Japan.
we are planning material and ships" the admiral
explained "for a war that viii last AT LEAST UNTIL
1949."
Admiral Horne also said that the navy's calculation
is not "pessmistic'
HOWEVER the prospect Of six years of Asatc warfare
| can hardly be regarded a reason for optimism
especially in view of our military engrossment Europe and
our impovershng endease commitments around the world
Such war might very well be A WAR OF EXHAUSTION
for though should finally occupy Japan
itself
But if the Pacific war is TO be both proracted and enee-
bling it will be due in part administrations whole pre-
vious attitude toward that
We were allowed to be surprised atPear Harbor and to
have our Pacific fleet put virtually out of action.
Thereafter we failed Gen. Wainwright and his
the Philippines giving Japan huge base
above the Indies.
Next having sent Cen Macarthur to Australia to be
Allied forces in the the admins
ration giving his until weeks had
elapsed until Australia frantic with the fear of inva
son then the administration set divided command In
the Pacific and finally il until months had
passed. public opinion heavily ncensed that Mac
Arthur began airpanes and renforements to
the minor oensives which he has brilliantly
carried out.
THE trouble was administration had its mind and
/ its eyes almost solely the European
To he ted in
than defeating the japanese who had attacked us
and had actually seized American territory.
We seemed about saving Soviet Russia than
did about recovering lost possessions and protecting
our own Pacific Coast
Our troops have encouraging victories in the Meder
ranean where supplied the largest
history.
Gen. Macarthur with only a fraction of the same sup
port whsood the weight of Japan and with anything
like adequate support Macarthur would break the might of
Japan
For Japan is not nvincible-YET
But former Ambassador Grew, who understands the
Pacific situation than any of other statesmen has
warned repeatedly that Japan will BE nvncble if permit
her TO give her the TIME in which to exploit
foy her UNNECESSARILY rich conquess and to organize
the vast subjugated populations under her flag
WHILE we are EXTENDING military and economic
w strength in Europe, Japan is AMASSING and DEVEL-
OPING military and economic strength in Asia
Obviously, therefore, if we continue to wage slow.
delayed and desultory in the Pacific will increase
manifold the cost in and material that will be required
to overthrow Japan YEARS FROM NOW-f indeed
then succeed in doing it,