ATTACK EXPECTED.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 87, 23 January 1942, Page 3

ATTACK EXPECTED.

DESIGNS ON NEW GUINEA. threat to communications. LONDON, January 22. This morning’s messages from the | Far East indicate an ambitious JapanI ese scheme to obtain jsland bases in f the south-west Pacific, with the object ) of severing communications between Australia and Singapore. The Australian Minister for Air (Mr A. S. Drakeford) said the Japanese had more than one aircraft-carrier, and shore-based aircraft, as well as covering naval forces, in the Bismarck ArThere was reason to believe that an enemy landing in New Guinea might be. attempted to-day. “The enemy may be expected to launch a full-scale' assault on New Guinea, with the object of obtaining bases for an attack on Australia,” said Mr Drakeford. There was reason tp believe that the Japanese had temporarily put out of action the wireless stations in New Guinea. Rabaul had been attacked again this morning, and women and children were already being evacuated from Rabaul. It is thought in London that the Japanese are ready to risk attacks by Australian fighter aircraft to gain control of Torres Strait, thus severing one of the links between Australia and Singapore.