Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1943-08-08
Y be
Mar Today
u. S. Compels
Japs ITO Divide
Forces in Pacific
By REAR ADM. CLARK II.
WOODWARD, USN.

topyriSht, is45, International News Service
EVER SINCE Doolittle made
his spectacular raid on Toxic,
is months ago--and particu-
larry since the Japanese held
island of Attu was finally re-
captured by the Americans last
May-the littery japanese have
been expecting, and fearing an
encore visit 10 their homeland
at most any time.
On July 10 the long arm Of
the American air force reached
out from NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
air base 900 miles away--and
dropped bombs on the strong
naval and air base Of Paramu-
shire sometimes called "Ja-
pans Pearl Harhor' located
on next 10 the northernmost
island Of the Kurile group.
The estimated round trip
flight was 1000 miles. Thus. for
the second time had Japan, IT.
self. felt the blows of Americas
gathering might,
AS the enemy cannot he sure
from which direction lightning
will strike next, he must choose
between dividing his forces 10
protect each threatened posi-
ton, or holding them together
in the hope that the Allies will
strike where he is waiting for
them.
Allied strategy seeks 70 COM
pei the enemy TO disperse his
air and naval power as much as
possible, not only TO prevent
him from concentrating stronger
forces in any area, but more
particularly TO destroy him in
detail.
THE WAR lords of Nippon
are thus faced with the ire
mendous problem of providing
naval and air strength 10 ward
off attacks throughout their
sprawling empire from Paramu-
shiru in the North, 10 Burma in
the West and the Solomons in
the East, as the Allies have
proved their ability 10 strike
anywhere in far-flung theaters.
and at such times as suits their
plans.
At present, they are carrying
the offensive across the whole
reach of the Pacific, from
Alaska TO Australia.
Unquestionably. Toxic and
other important japanese cities
will be blasted. bombed and
burned, and ultimately exter-
minated. II cannot be pre-
sumed. however, that the bomb
ing OF Paramushiru presages
an early aerial offensive on the
enemy's heart-land, via the
Aleutisns.
The distance is too great
at least with prese day
bombers-unless a landing field
on Chinese territory be made
available. in which case shuttle
bombing would be possible.
Moreover, as Japan has air
superiority over her own home
islands, a direct attack would
be extremely difficult, though
by no means impossible, TO dis
patch planes against her vul-
nerable cardboard cities.
An about offensive against
Paramushiru has great posi-
bilities. A beachhead probably
could be established there
within striking distance OF
Tokio--at small cost when COM
pared with an approach by way
of either Burma or the man.
dated islands, and in much less
time.
In any case. however, such an
operation would bring at least
a large part Of the japanese
fleet into action-an eventuality
which would delight the Ameri-
can fleet.
THE LOSS of Paramushiru
would be a disastrous blow 10
Japan. as IL would give to the
Americans a base from which 10
bomb the heavily populated
areas of Nippon, proper, and a
port closer 10 the enemy's trade
routes than any the Allies now
have.
AS the operating range Of
both bombers and submarines is
increased greater advantage will
accrue TO the Americans. and
more frequent and heavier raids
may be expected.
The attack on Paramushiru
served notice on Toxic that her
shrinking strength, both on sea
and in the air must be stretched
thinner TO prevent further at
tacks from the North. particu-
larly as the recent Smelling Of
Kiska indicated the presence in
the Aleut.an area Of an Ameri-
can naval force of some
strength.
TOTO cannot afford TO shift
any Of his naval or air support
TO the northern theater without
weakening his forces which are
so fully engaged in the New