MORE SKIRMISHES

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 16, 14 October 1942, Page 5

MORE SKIRMISHES

New Enemy Positions

In New Guinea

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (Received October 13. I 0.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 13.

Japanese troops are now reported to be occupying positions covering the Owen Stanley trail just south of Templeton s Crossing, which is the last objective in the heights of the mountains before the rapid descent, begins to Kokoda, 1 2 miles away. Opposing patrols have been skirmishing and exchanging light fire. ‘ No official estimate has been given of the size of this Japanese forward force, and there is no indication whether the enemy intends to make a determined stand or whether his purpose is merely to hamper the Australian drive.

The spokesman at General MacArthur’s headquarters said today that Allied troops are believed to have made some advance northward from both Kagi and Myola, which are on alternative routes at the summit of the ranges. It is believed that the Australians will soon be ready to continue their -push and that the present somewhat obscure and confused situation will be clarified within the next few days. ... For almost a week, the Australian forces have been halted in the area of the Gap, consolidating their forward positions and strengthening their supply line. Now that the land threat to Port Moresby has been removed, no sound strategic reason exists for immeijiatp continuation of the advance. Over-eagerness might have serious consequences. ■ Japs Not All Gone? Latest reports warn against the view that the Japanese have completely abandoned the Buna-Kokoda area. Allied planes were active on Monday in bombing and strafing attacks along the enemy supply trail, and at Buna. One possibility is that the Japanese are maintaining holding forces in the area, and that their future actions will be governed by the outcome of the Solomons battle, now believed to be nearing a climax. Enemy success in tlie. Solomons would undoubtedly be a prelude to a renewed offensive against Port Moresby, and a decisive defeat might result in their abandonment of their New Guinea operations. The present skirmishing in . the ranges is taking place at an altitude of about 5000 feet. The area is a fairly flat plateau, covered with dense rain forest. Much more difficult country lies both ahead and behind the opposing forces. Once driven out of their present positions, the Japanese would be unlikely to offer substantial resistance, at least till the Australian drive penetrated to the Kokoda area.

REPORTED NEW SEA BATTLE Solomons Claim

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright,) (Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY, October 13.

The Japanese Navy has been engaged by the Allied forces near the Solomons, according to Paris radio. The results of the engagement will be announced soon, says the Paris radio, quoting the Japanese naval spokesman. There is no news here of such a battle, but Australian observers generally share the belief of London and Washington military and naval experts that a large-scale battle is developing in the Solomons.

Japanese reinforcements being landed on Guadalcanal Island under cover of darkness are believed to include veteran jungle fighters from New Guinea as well as troops from China.

The vital importance of the battle of the Solomons to Australia and New Zealand is stressed editorially by the Svdney “‘Daily Telegraph” today. The paper says: “If the Japanese drove the Americans from Guadalcanal the eastern coast of Australia and the Allied supply route to this country and New* Zealand would be open to a flank attack. . "The meagre information available suggests that the enemy’s plan is to concentrate all his available forces in the South-west Baciflc in the Solomons. Such a move could tilt the balance of power in favour of the’ Japanese.” Reserves In Australia.

Emphasizing the need for strong Allied reinforcements on Guadalcanal, the “Daily Telegraph” adds: “It is not suggested that the enemy is preventing American reinforcements from lauding. If the distance from the United States is the reason for the lack of reinforcements, why not send men from Australia? This and other related problems could be solved more expeditiously if we had a single command in the South-west Pacific—not a milltary command based on Australia aud a naval command based on New Zealand. ■ . . “Independent commands in interdependent strategic areas are illogical. The Solomons battle should not be regarded merely as a naval show. Its outcome could materially affect the fortunes of the United Nations. We cannot afford to risk a major reverse through remote control and divided command.” Opinion in Britain and America is that the Japanese are going slowly in New Guinea and the Aleutians in order to muster their forces for a great effort in the Solomons. It appears to be generally recognized that possession of the Guadalcanal airfield would enable the Japanese to prosecute their prime purpose in the South-west Pacific —the attempted occupation of the New Hebrides and New Caledonia, and placing them across the supply line from America to Australia and New Zealand. , “No one should minimize the danger of the fresh Japanese troop land-im-s in the Solomons." says the London “Daily Telegraph.” “The Tokio war lords are showing that they are well aware that unless they hold the airfields and harbours of the island chain from Asia across the South-west Pacific they cannot keep their conquests.” .