ABOVE KOKODA

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 242, 14 October 1942, Page 5

ABOVE KOKODA

LIGHT SKIRMISHES

OBSCURE SITUATION SIZE OF JAP. FORCE UNCERTAIN

P.A. Special.

SYDNEY, Oct. 13

Japanese troops are now reported to be occupying positions covering the Owen Stanley trail just south of Templeton's Crcssing, which is the last objective in the heights of the mountains before the rapid descent of 5000ft. begins to Kokoda, 12 miles away. Opposing patrols have been skirmishing and exchanging light fire. No official cstimate 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. A 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 Australian forces have been halted in the area of the gap, consolidating their foi*ward positions and strengthening their supply line. Now that the land threat to Port Moresby has been removed no sound strategic reason exists for immediate continuation of the advance. Over-eagerness might have serious consequences. The 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 outeome of 'the Solomons battle, now believed to be nearing its climax. Enemy success in the Solomons would undoubtedly be a prelude to a 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 feet. The area is a fairly fiat plateau covered with dense rain forest. Much more difflcult 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.