IN DESPERATE STRAITS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 September 1943, Page 4

IN DESPERATE STRAITS

JAPANESE GARRISON AT SALAMAUA COMPRESSED INTO SQUARE MILE OF FLAT COUNTRY. ALLIES ALSO CLOSING IN ON LAE. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.40 p.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The Japanese defences around Salamaua have crumbled, and the Allied capture of this base is believed to be imminent. Except for possible stray snipers, the Allies have cleared the entire area south of the Francisco River. After Allied troops had pierced the southern defence line, the Japanese retreated in panic, leaving hundreds of unburied dead, three field g_uns and much combat equipment, ihe enemy garrison has been compressed into about a square mile of flat country, unsuitable for effective resistance. American naval units command the sea approaches to Salamaua, and the only avenue of temporary retreat for the garrison is north, towards Lae. Japanese troops, escaping by this route, would probably clash with the Allied forces further north, which are investing Lae. A general offensive east and west of Lae has not yet started. Some resistance is being experienced by the Australians at the mouth of the Busu River, four miles from Lae. In a clash on Friday, 40 Japanese were killed. Japanese medium artillery at Lae is firing on the advancing Australians, who hold the river crossing. The main defences of Lae include heavy artillery, but some guns have already been smashed in devastating air raids. The enemy probably will have to be dug out along the eastern bank of the Busu River. Our artillery has been pounding the inner Japanese defences at Malahang, where the Australians are likely to meet strong resistance. Progress was also made in the Markhan Valley, behind Lae, where Allied patrols are holding advanced positions, awaiting further reinforcements for the final push. Resistance in this sector generally has been small. Ancther message says the Allies have captured the airfield at Salamaua, two miles from the Japanese base.