MARKEDLY BRIGHTER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 4 November 1942, Page 2

MARKEDLY BRIGHTER

OUTLOOK IN SOUTH PACIFIC CHECK TO ENEMY ON TWO FRONTS (Rec. 12.50 p.m.) Sydney, This Day. With the Japanese repulsed both in the Solomons and New Guinea, the outlook in the South Pacific is markedly brighter than it was three months ago, declares the Sydney “Morning Herald” in a leading article. The paper adds: Barring the unforeseeable hazards of war it should further improve as America’s superior power of replacement of aircraft and warship wastage comes into play.” Observers generally warn that the enemy has by no means written off New Guinea strategically in favour of the Solomons and that he must be expected to return soon to the attack on one or both fronts. It is felt that with the lull in the Solomons affording him some opportunity to ease his strength there he is likely to make further attempts to reinforce his north Papuan bases.

Japan s New Guinea campaign has been expensive, particularly in aircraft, of which about 200 have been destroyed. while the enemy’s hand-picked force of jungle fighters has also been seriously depleted.

It is now revealed that strong Allied forces which occupied Kokoda on Monday were not the first to enter this base since it was occupied by the Japanese on 3rd August. A number of our patrols had been active in the area during the past fortnight. On the night of 25th October a party of three Australians moved down from the northern foothills of the Owen Stanley Ranges and entered the enemy camp beside Kokoda airfield, and they brought back valuable information. Veteran Australian troops who have fought in many theatres finally occupied the area without a shot being fired. This caused no surprise, since Kokoda is situated in fiat, cultivated country and is reckoned a difficult place to hold. Some commentators suggest that the enemy is likely to make a stand near Wairopi. 20 miles from Kokoda. along the Buna f rack. where therp is *h''ck jung’e cover. Kokoda village, formerly a picturesque Government station, was found to have been completely burned out by Allied air strafing and bombing attacks.—P.A. Special Australian Correspondent