OPPOSITION STILL LACKING

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 193, 13 May 1944, Page 7

OPPOSITION STILL LACKING

Advances In New Guinea (By Telegraph.—Presa Assn. —Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (Received May 12, 11.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, May 12. . Australian infantry units • in British New Guinea are nearing Cape Croiselles, 16 miles north of Alexishafen, and 21 miles north of Madang. They have had no contact with the enemy and it is apparent that the Japanese in the area are continuing to withdraw toward Hansa Bay. Other Australian patrols have been probing inland, and, like those on the coast, have not met any opposition. Cape Croiselles, the next objective of the Australians’ coastal drive, is flanked by the Isumrud Strait, between New Guinea and Karkar Island. This island, a former Japanese stronghold, appears to - have been abandoned by the enemy, according to reports by reconnaissance pilots. A heavy air attack on the centre of the Japanese concentration area in British New Guinea is reported by General MacArthur’s communique today. Allied fighters and bombers were over Wewak on Wednesday in numerous waves. More than 100 tons of explosives caused fires in the supply areas. Liberators from the Solomons, striking against Japanese bases in the Carolines, cratered the concrete runway of the airfield at Woleai: One of the 20 Liberators was lost when an equal number of enemy ‘ fighters intercepted. Other bolomonsbased bombers again attacked Rabaul. It has been announced by General MacArthur's headquarters that 10,2(X) ♦Ous of bombs have been unloaded on Rabaul from November 12 to May «. Rabaul is easily the most bombed spot fa the Pacific. ’ The latest reports from the Admiralty Islands reveal that 3202 Japanese, have been killed and 169 captured. It is believed that the enemy now only has a few hundred effective troops- left in. this group. They are. concentrated in tee • southern portion of Manus Island, where they will soon be compelled to make a last stand.