JAPANESE IN PAPUA

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 42, 18 August 1942, Page 5

JAPANESE IN PAPUA

NEW ADVANCE MADE

SYDNEY, August 17. The Japanese have again advanced in Papua, and the Allied, line now lies a little to the south of Kokoda, about 60 miles from Port Moresby. Today's communique from Generay Mac Arthur's headquarters reports continued patrol skirmishes between small enemy forces and Allied outguard elements. These clashes, states the communique, "have taken place beyond the barrier line of the Owen Stanley Kangre." The Japanese force which landed at Gona Mission on July 22 quickly penetrated inland as far as Kokoda, where they were held by Allied patrols for some time. Today's communique is the first official intimation of their advance past the village. SMALL FORCES ENGAGED. The headquarters spokesman said today tltet still only small forces were engaged, and that the situation was fluctuating. While the skirmishing had shifted towards the range it had no special importance. The fighting has not yet reached the rugged country, but is still taking place in rolling country where the transport advantages lie with the Japanese. The enemy forces have stilL to encounter a strong Allied, defensive line, but some observers believe .they will pursue their normal policy of ipushing on till they' are stopped. The 'intention of the fresh enemy thrust is mot yet clear. Today's communique also reports another attack by Allied , medium bombers of an enemy-occupied town on the south-east coast of Timor. .The objective is not indicated, but it is stated that all the bombs fell in the. target area, and a large fire was started. All the planes returned to. their base. •:..■• On Saturday, Mape, ap inland village in Timor, was raided by Allied airi craft, about 12,0001b of bombs being dropped. . ". -'. ■• ••/ ' '