NEW GUINEA FRONT

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1942, Page 5

NEW GUINEA FRONT

BIG ENEMY BLITZ

Likely any Moment

[Aust. & N.Z. Cable Asr.n.j yyDN E y , Marcn .13

The war in ine Islands is now becoming a struggle ror aerouromes, says tne “.-Sydney Morning neraia s" correspondent in Papua, ana so far occupied by me Japanese nas an aerodrome —rcabaui, Gasmata, Saiamaua, and. Lae. Tins indicates that the enemy may soon launcn a large-scale air blitz'- agamst Austra-lian-held positions, and possib/y against mainland bases. Tne rv.A.A.r. is steadiiv ana reientlessiy hammering these potential Japanese oases. Tncir atlacxs ar e as no.aijie for oaring as tne enemy attacks are notable for extreme caution. Wnere tne Japanese planes bomb from a height ,of more tnan 20,000 teet, our an'ciuit do down to under 1000 teet. The unremitting attacks winch have begun might, temporarily break up the Japanese concentrations on the north coast of New Guinea, out it would be folly to let it go at that. A heavier rain of blows must tali on the Japanese every day, to prevent the consolidation of their positions. In tins vital struggle, air power, as in every other Pacific war theatre, wilt be the decisive factor. AUSTRALIAN GUERRILLAS FIGHTING IN NEW GUINEA SYDNEY, March 13. Australian guerrillas, who were left behind after the evacuation by our forces of Lae, Saiamaua, and other areas on the north coast of New Guinea, are still in action against the Japanese, sniping from the jungles and generally carrying out a smail but valuable nuisance campaign. There is no evidence that the enemy landing forces at Saiamaua and Lae —regarded as considerable — have any reinforcements. The possibility that th e enemy may sooner or later attempt infiltration tactics through the terrible jungles and great mountain ranges cannot > . be discounted, but such a task might prove to be one of the most formidable ever faced, even by Japan’s best jungle fighters. At the moment, it appears that the enemy are aiming at tightening the grin on the north coast, for the establishment of bases wherewith to continue the aerial war on a more aggressive scale.