STARVATION TREK BY JAPANESE

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 204, 26 May 1944, Page 5

STARVATION TREK BY JAPANESE

Plight In New Guinea JUNGLE TRAILS LINED WITH BODIES

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) (Received May U p.m.) SYDNEY, May 25.

Japanese troops trapped in both British and Dutch New Guinea are making “marches of death” in attempts to escape to Japanese-held territory. About 21)00 from the Wewak area arc reported to be trekking over the mountains toward Sanni, a distance of 370 miles. Jungle trails are lined with the bodies of enemy troops who have died from starvation or disease. In the Hollaudia area, natives report that WOO Japanese trving to make an overland escape arrived at an inland village iu a P ltlful condition and clamouring for tood. Many bodies have been found along trails south of Lake Sentani. General MacArthur’s communique to day says that Japanese units are demoralized and' scattering and that ‘enemy soldiers frequently abandon their in their efforts to escape jungle pnvatHOn the coastal sector in western Dutch New Guinea bitter resistance is oein„ met by American troops who have crossed the Tor River in their drive toward Maflin, one of the two airfields on the mainland opposite Wakde Island, Liu miles west of Ilollandia. This partial yconstructed airstrip is 31 miles beyond the Tor River. Sawar, the second airfield at Maflin Bay, is a further 31 miles beyond Maflin. The airstrip area was shelled by Allied destroyers on Monday Japanese dead counted since the Americans landed in the Wakde Ishnid-Sarnu area nine days ago now total 9Uo. Sharp Patrol Clashes. In British New Guinea sharp patrol clashes have occurred 30 miles east ot Aitape, where the Americans landed on April 22. American outposts on the Dandriwar River were attacked on Monday. Allied bombers and fighters age continuing to strike against the Japanese trapped in this area and round Wewak. At Manokwari, the important Japanese base bn the south coast of Dutch New Guinea, a Liberator bombed and sank an lbwton cargo vbssel. , In spite of adverse weather on that sector, further attacks have been made on enemy bases on Biak and Noemfoor Islands. Geelvink Bay. The Japanese hit. back when Liberators based on the Admiralty Islands attacked Truk, in the Carolines, with 84 tons of bombs. They sent up 40 interceptors. In a running fight lasting JO minutes two enemy fighters were shot down, with three more probably destroyed and others damaged. One Liberator was lost.

Another 750 Japanese dead have been found by American patrols on Bougainville Island, in the northern Solomons.