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DISTRIBUTED BY ORIENTATION COU from public sources of inform i-Perei United Nations Axis and Axis Occuple OTHERS: Relations with Axis Br Relations with Axis ar United Nations Maint Vichy France
[ U. S. Marines land on three islands Jap bases raided to hinder aid to Tulagi S ee-saw battle for Kokoda airfield Forces of Gen. MacArthur aid Solomons attack Air distances in statute miles THE WAR FRONTS
SOLOMON ISLANDS: Taking the offen- iein the southwest Pacific for the first time a sea-borne force of U. S. Marines snatched strong footholds on three islands in the area of Tulagi. They proceeded with planned operations scheduled to drive the Japanese from the stronghold and "make use of that area for our own purposes," as Admiral King phrased it. Heavy losses were to be expected in the extremely difficult task of taking territory from a strongly entrenched foe. First reports indicated U. S. loss of one cruiser sunk and two cruisers, two destroyers and one transport damaged.
The task force under Vice Admiral Ghormley, aided by forces under General MacArthur, which reportedly included land-based aircraft, engaged the Japs in bitter fighting. Our Navy reported there was substantial evidence the Japs had under way the development of a strong base in the Tulagi area. Allied sources said the island of Guadalcanal was particularly suited for landing fields.
