Heavy Fighting In Progress

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23746, 18 September 1942, Page 5

Heavy Fighting In Progress

STRONG JAPANESE PRESSURE 4(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. H P- m -) LONDON, September 17. Heavy fighting has again broken out in the Owen Stanley area of New Guinea, where the Japanese have resumed their attack towards Port Moresby. A communique from General Mac Arthur's headquarters describes the fighting as serious, with the Japanese pressing strongly against the Allied defences. A headquarters spokesman gaid that the scene of action was gome miles north of lorabaiwa, which is 32 miles north of Port Moresby itself. The spokesman said the Japanese were using mountain artillery, as well as mortars and automatic weapons. It was a gee-saw battle, with first one side infiltrating and then the other. The correspondent of the Australian Broadcasting Commission says that Allied bombers and fighters are continuing to sweep over the enemy's supply lines and troops in almost nongtop attacks. The Japanese base at Buna has been raided again, and barges on the beach were attacked. The special Australian correspondent for three days been exerting pressure nf the New Zealand Press Association on the enemy and had counterIs that parts of the main forces are infiltrated with marked success, jays uiok hj War correspondents do not consider now at grips in New Guinea, and a new that tne Japanese have yet made any and heavier phase of 'the battle ap- substantial further advances. Previous pears to have begun. lorabaiwa, north statements that the battle area was of which the fighting is in progress, is "south of Efogi" are thought to have a native village 12 miles by air'south of included the area of the latest heavy Efogi. The trail distance from Port fighting. Moresby is estimated at more than 80 Official reports so far released do not miles. indicate which side has the initiative. It was revealed to-day that before The Japanese have not yet received the present flare-up Allied patrols had any air assistance.