PATROL CLASHES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20914, 14 October 1942, Page 3

PATROL CLASHES

NEW GUINEA HILLS AUSTRALIANS READY RESUMPTION OF DRIVE (By Telegraph —Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (10.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 14. Japanese troops are now reported to be occupying positions covering the Owen Stanley Range 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, 12 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 of 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 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 thensupply line. Now that the land threat to Port Moresby has been removed, no sound strategic reason exists for the immediate continuation of the advance. Over-eagerness might have serious consequences. Not Yet Abandoned

The latest reports contain a warning against the view that the Japanese have completely abandoned the BunaKokoda 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 and holding forces in the area, and that their future actions will be governed by the outcome of the Solomons battle, which is now believed to be ( nearing its climax. An enemy success in the Solomons would undoubtedly be a prelude to the renewed offensive against Port Moresby, while a decisive defeat might result in the abandonment of their New Guinea operations. The present skirmishing in the ranges is taking place at an altitude of about 5000 ft. The area is a fairly flat plateau covered with dense ram 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 until the Australian drive penetrated to the Kokoda area.