JAPANESE ADVANCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 May 1942, Page 4

JAPANESE ADVANCE

IN MARKHAM VALLEY NEED OF ADDITIONAL AIRFIELDS. AS RESULT OF ALLIED ATTACKS. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. ■Japanese forces are again advancing in the Markham Valley, in New Guinea, says the “Daily Telegraph’s” correspondent at an advanced Allied base. Strong Japanese forces are reported to have reached Nadzab, 27 miles west of Lae, on Friday. One Japanese patrol has penetrated 15 miles south of Salamaua. Our forces have not yet made contact with the enemy. The Japanese first readied Nadzab at the end of March, but floods forced them to withdraw to Lae;. The Japanese land activity in New Guinea is the natural outcome of the terrific Allied air battering of the invaded ports, which -has practically paralysed the Japanese fighters and bombers. These thrusts have probably been dictated by the need for aerodromes. At present the enemy advances are only feelers and bear no direct relation to the defence of Port Moresby by land. One objective is apparently the goldfields, which are about 60 miles from Salamaua. A defined route exists across very difficult country. Uncontested possession of the Markham Valley aerodromes and occupation of the gold centres would make the Japanese infinitely harder to shift, as it would complicate the defence of Port Moresby from air attacks. Airfields and planes are the crux of Port Moresby’s defence.'