The Wilmington morning star. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1909-1990, 1944-02-22
On The Way To Tokyo

AS in the Marshalls, Admiral Nimitz' attack
on Truk had the advantage afforded by sur
prise. The Japanese apparently either knew
nothing Of the approach of United States war
| ships or learned of it too late to prevent
losses which partially offset the destruction
they wrought at Pearl Harbor in the sneak
attack that precipitated the war in the Pa
cific Obviously there was a complete break
down in their reconnaissance, il not that they
felt SO secure that they had no fear of any
force the United States might send against
them.
What it was that enabled the American task
force to come up without resistance and de-
liver such heavy blows during the two.day
assault cannot be accurately known until the
history Of the war is finally written. In the
meantime it is gratifying to know that the
initiative which the Americans seized some
months ago has achieved a new and faster
pace and that as result Japan's outer de-
lenses are weakening under the constant
pounding Of Our aircraft and Navy with our
land forces close upon their heels Wherever
bombs and shells have prepared the way.
the Army and the Marines are quick to take
possession.
This attack on Truk Is notable for several
reasons. First, Of course, is the destruction
Of nineteen enemy ships and above two hun.
dred planes Eext is the fact that the Japa-
nese were unable to put strong air force
aloft to oppose the attack. Japanese air pow
er has suffered tremendous losses in recent
months 1t is known that many warplanes
were Withdrawn from Truk when Macarthur
began to pound Rabaul, and so successful
been shot down. Japan, despite the years
spent in terrifying Truk, could not protect
this great bastion from the air when the
showdown came. A third reason is the alb
sence OF capital ships. So far as is known
at this time no battleship was at Truk to help
in its defense. The location of Tokyo's mighty
dreadnaughts is still a mystery The prob.
ability is they are in home waters, awaiting
the hour of final combat when Japan itself
will be under fire.
There is another reason, which is entirely
speculative but cannot be overlooked. It has
to do with the ultimate period of the conflict
at large. There are many observers whose
opinion is weighty who believe that if the
present pace can be maintained in the battle
with japan the war in the Pacific may be
ended before Germany surrenders. This is
highly optimistic, especially as the Russians
continue to win new successes, the battle in
Italy has taken favorable turn with inn
proving weather which enables the Allied Air
Forces to go into action again, and prepara-
lions for the invasion Of Europe are nearing
completion. But there are signs in the Pa
cific which seem to justify their position.
Having cut Japans communications south
ward, it is obvious that they are also cutl
northward, and Japan is having as great diff
ficulty in drawing supplies from her conquered
territory, particularly petroleum from the
Dutch East Indies, as in delivering them. It
is not only that favorable sea lanes are block
ed. Japan's shipping and aircraft losses have
placed a heavy handicap upon her war COM
merce, without which she cannot hope to hold
her new possessions Tokyo has already shown
intention to rely upon an Inner RIM for sur
vival, which clearly indicates her recognition
for a showdown at home.
However, the most optimistic observer does
not forget that Truk is still to be taken, The
recent attack is not complete victory. It has
been eminently successful but considering the
time Japan has had to construct underground
defenses represents no more than nbble at
her concealed strength. Japan is far from
finished at Truk. And when Truk falls there
still remain other outposts on the way to|
Tokyo which will go down only after the most
desperate fighting
1t could be, of course, that the Pacific war
can be ended first but if it is, the victory will
be little less than miracle.
Red Cross Appeal Nears