THRUST HALTED

Evening Star, Issue 24296, 10 September 1942, Page 5

THRUST HALTED

BATTLE FOR THE GAP AIR SUPPORT FOR ALLIES (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust; Correspondent) (Rec. 1.35 p.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 10. Tlie Japanese thrust towards Port Moresby from Kokoda has been halted, at least temporarily. The enemy is attempting to force the gap in the Owen Stanley Range, and is still some miles from the main Allied defence line. In the mountain mist and rain-soaked jungle bitter fighting has continued. For the most part it has consisted of savage clashes between small bodies oftroops, with some heavy mortar engagements. , Before the Japanese arc in position to force Hell’s Gap itself they must advance over difficult country, which rises 2,000 ft in 10 miles between Myola and the Gap itself. The distance already covered by the Japanese from Kokoda to the broad plateau in the Lake Myola area, where our forward elements are now holding the enemy, represents about three days’ travelling time for equipped troops. The knowledge that they are receiving strong air support has had a stimulating effect on the Australian troops taking part in the arduous fighting. Strafing and bombing attacks by our aircraft have considerably hampered the enemy, costing him much equipment and many casualties. Both the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ and the ‘ Daily Telegraph ’ call the latest developments “ disturbing,” and declare that Port Moresby is gravely menaced. However, while the Japanese accomplishments have been extraordinary and emphasise again that no difficulties of terrain will defeat them, they are still a long way from fulfilling the Berlin radio claim that they control Hell’s Gap, and even Hell’s Gap is still a long way from Port Moresby. Up to the present the Japanese have been able to exploit, at least in a limited degree, their 'favourite infiltration tactics, thus comnlicating our outpost defence problems. However, as the Japanese come in contact with our main defensive line the difficulties of infiltration will be greatly increased. Mr Walter Lucas, the London ‘ Daily Express’s ’ correspondent, says there is no need for undue alarm at this steady advance. Each step the enemy now takes forward complicates his supply problem, and conversely relieves ours. It brings him into country where there is less and less space for manoeuvring, and his favourite pastime of infiltration. The gravest danger to Port Moresby comes from a sea attack timed to co-ordinate with the present land push. This is a contingency for which the defenders of the South Pacific “ Tobruk ” are prepared, and such an attack is likely to prove expensive for the attackers, particularly in the face of our new-won air superiority.