PACIFIC ACTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24370, 4 September 1942, Page 3

PACIFIC ACTION

NEW GUINEA FIGHTING DRIVE TO KOKODA GAP VIOLENT BLOW AT HUKA (Special Anstralian Correspondent) (Reed. 10.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 3 Bombers of General Mac Arthur's command struck a violent blow against the Japanese in the northern Solomons on Wednesday. Five tons of bombs were dropped on the airfield, runways and installations at Buka. A destroyer was also attacked, but the results were not observed. Other Allied aircraft made offensive sweeps in the New Guinea area, bombing and machine-gunning enemy positions at Kokoda aerodrome and at Lae. The Japanese did not retaliate against these attacks. Their air force in the South-west Pacific was completely inactive. Move to Kokoda The communique issued to-day also reports a lull ill the land fighting in the Kokoda sector. Some say the enemy is moving troops irom Salamana toward Kokoda. The enemy's thrusts toward the Kokoda Gap, which crosses the Owen Stanley Ranges at a height of 7000 ft., are regarded _as reconnaissances in force along a fairly broad front. The enemy is endeavouring to find a weak point in our defences, but there is no indication of any break in the Allied lines, which have now been held against the Japanese for more than a month.

The enemy still has to climb about 4000 ft. of the world's most difficult jungle country to reach the Gap. While intensification of his efforts can be expected, the number of troops involved here is limited. Next Solomons Objective

Reports from Milne Bay merely state that Australian troops are continuing to "round up isolated enemy detachments in the jungle." The Allied raid on Wednesday against Buka, which is regarded as the next probable objective of the American drive in the Solomons, broke the lull in that sector. Buka is about 475 miles north-west of Tulagi, and 200 miles south-east of the main Japanese South Pacific base at Rabaul. It is expected that the present Solomons' stalemate position cannot long continue, and the opposing forces must soon join in a major battle. Enemy Naval Power Before the Japanese menace to Australia and New Zealand from the east is removed, it is felt here that Buka, and then Rabaul, must be captured. This would entail smashing Japanese naval power in the South Pacific, and would leave the way open for drives against the enemy's more northerly Pacific bases in the mandated Marshall and Caroline Islands. Observers issue a warning that each successive step of the way will present increased difficulties, and prove increasingly costly in men, ships and aircraft. To forestall Allied blows against Buka and Rabaul, the Japanese must make urgent efforts to reduce Port Moresby. Heavier action in the New Guinea sector must soon be expected. A move bv either side is likely to he quickly'followed by the greatest sea and air tattle of the war.