“GRAVE” SITUATION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20877, 1 September 1942, Page 5

“GRAVE” SITUATION

JAPANESE PUSH THRUST TO PT. MORESBY WEATHER LIMITS FLYING (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (2.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 31. Some observers regard the situation in the Milne Bay area, where the Japanese now hold the initiative, as “grave.” The latest landing of enemy reinforcements. combined with activity in the Kokoda and Bulolo sectors, “indicates an outright bid for possession of the whole of the New Guinea mainland.” according to the Sydney Morning Herald war correspondent. The deterioration of the New Guinea situation is regarded as disquieting. and the arrival of a fresh enemy naval force on Saturday came as a surprise to those who knew the facts after the original landing and felt confident that our forces were well able to cope with it. The enemy ships were first observed early on Saturday just off the Dentrecasteail Group. Our aircraft made efforts to attack, but were defeated by bad weather. Seme observers believe that the Japanese intensified campaign in New Guinea may be intended to coincide with full-scale efforts to recOup their losses' in the Solomons. “Fooled Ourselves” J The Daily Telegraph says: “If we gained the Solomons and lost Port Moresby we Would show a heavy debit. Port Moresby is seriously threatened. Until the Japanese appealed at Milne Bay, we flattered ourselves that they would be unable to cross the formidable barrier of the Owen Stanley ranges—just as. we fooled ourselves that Hitler could never break through the Maginot Line. Like Hitler the Japanese have tackled an insurmountable obstacle by the simple expedient of ignoring it. At Milne Bay they will be able to walk around the end of the Owen Stanley ranges,unless we can drive them back into the sea.”

The. Sydney Morning Herald's military correspondent says: “Particularly In the light of General Sir Thomas Blarney’s optimistic attitude regarding our capacity to deal with an enemy landing at Milne Bay. the present position is highly disappointing.” The .latest Allied communique makes reference to Japan’s control of the sea lanes north of New Guinea, which, means that the enemy is more readily. -able to supply, his forces at Milne Bay. Between Milne Bay and Abau, Half-way to Port Moresby, land travel is very difficult and it would be impossible. to supply our Milne Bay forces, by the overland route.. If the weather improves,. enabling the Allies to exploit their growing air superiority the situation may develop ,in our favour, but .a. continuation of bad weather, enabling enemy shipping, to move in these waters with increased freedom, is likely, to .have,unfortunate and far-reaching consequences.