U.S. GAINS IN MINDANAO

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24567, 16 May 1945, Page 7

U.S. GAINS IN MINDANAO

ENTIRE COAST NOW CLEAR BALETE PASS SECURED (N.Z. Preas Association—Copyright) (Rec. 12 am.) WASHINGTON. May 12. “Our northern and southern columns in Mindanao (Philippines) are steadily driving the enemy back into the hill country in the centre of the island,” says General MacArthur’s communi-* que. “The 24th Division in the Davao area is systematically reducing enemy strongpoints in the Talomo river sec* tor. Guerrillas have secured Port Cagayan. We now control the entire Mindanao coast. Our troops have secured the Balete Pass, the gateway to the Cagayan valley,, in Luzon, and have pushed towards Santa Fe. which is already under heavy threat from the 32nd Division closing in from the west. Our columns are now less than two miles apart. The 33rd Division in the central sector is closing in on the surrounded enemy at Ipo for the final assault. “Australian and Netherlands East Indies troops on Tarakan (Borneo) report local gains in desultory fighting. Small enemy counter-attacks were repulsed in the centre and east. Aeroplanes of all categories struck at air bases and supply facilities in northern Borneo. Coastal patrols sank four freighters, four coastal vessels, nine barges, and other small craft “Adverse weather precluded largescale attacks on Formosa, but heavy bombers attacked targets on the IndoChina coast and the Netherlands East Ipdies. "Australian troops in New Guinea, with air support have penetrated three miles inland from Wewak and are attacking enemy positions near Sauri village. Medium bombers and fighters attacked defences and communications in New Ireland and Bougainville.”