TAKING OF TARAKAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 135, 9 May 1945, Page 4

TAKING OF TARAKAN.

Though small, the island of Tarakan off the north-east coast of Borneo is immensely rich in mineral oil. It has been in Japanese hands since 1942, and the bitter resistance shown to the Australian and Dutch troops engaged in recapturing it points to the value of the prize. The, Allied forces have already gained important successes. They have taken the Pamoesian oilfield and the chief town, and have almost completed the capture of the airfield. The Japanese strongpoints from which they met the invaders were cleverly constructed and concealed in Tarakan Hill, and the derricks at the oil wells provided nests for snipers. It has been a period of bitter righting for the. Australians and their Dutch allies, but for the Japanese it is a losing battle, described chiefly as a delaying action to ensure the destruction of the -oilwells._ As the wells are shallow the opinion has been expressed that new bores can be quickly drilled and put into production in provide oil for the Pacific battle areas, reducing the strain on shipping over long routes now in use. Another challenge to Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies lies in this operation. The conquest of Mindanao strengthens the Allied occupation of the Sulu Archipelago and helps to make the enemy's isolation more critical. Oil is a prime factor in winning the Pacific war and Tarakan is an irunottant step in. making it available to the Allies at a much shorter distance than lias hitherto been practicable. Tarakan in Allied hands will be another grave enemy loss.