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Show MacArthur And The Solomons There has been much loose talk about the campaign in the Solomon Islands, with some newspaper correspondents going so far as to suggest that the division of the South Pacific ocean into two zones was done to prevent Gen. MacArthur from commanding the proceedings. The American General has denied the story. The United States News points out that the area was divided in Washington, without reference to the President, Presi-dent, and that "it was concurred in by Gen. MacArthur." This ought to dispose of the particular yarn. There is another an-other one, going around the circle, cir-cle, to the effect that there is not the proper cooperation between be-tween the Naval command and Gen. MacArthur, that the 'attack upon Guadalcanal was launched as a "navy show" and that our soldiers were left out of the campaign cam-paign in order that the Navy might grab the glory. What about this one? Well, the United States reports that there was consideration of a land offensive, from Australia aimed at New Guinea and New Britain, but that lack of shipping and the long supply line involved in-volved caused the high command com-mand to veto the plan. It adds that "the situation was explained explain-ed and General MacArthur con- curred when the action was taken." tak-en." The Solomon Islands operation was a naval operation and had to be under command of a naval officer. The plan was for the Marines to seize the area, after which the Army would move in. There has been delay in moving an adequate number of soldiers because of the lack of adequate sea control but "there is closest cooperation between General MacArthur's air forces and naval air forces." Incidentally, the attack upon Guadalcanal was launched upon up-on the decision of Admiral Leahy, Lea-hy, Admiral Ging and Gen. Marshall apd the United States News says the "Army pressed harder than did the Navy for this particular operation." |
