THE PACIFIC ZONE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25304, 14 August 1943, Page 5

THE PACIFIC ZONE

ADVERSE WEATHER UGHT ALLIED AIR RAIDS \ (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. Correspondent) (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 13. Adverse weather extending from the Solomons to New Guinea has curtailed war activity in both the South and South-west Pacific areas. General MacArthur's communique to-day tells only of light Allied air raids. Among the targets attacked were small sailing boats in waters nortn of Australia. Since their barge concentrations have recently been attacked with punishing vigour the Japanese are thought to be using native sail boats to carry supplies. Liberators have attacked these small craft off Ceram. Early yesterday morning Bostons destroyed a 60-ton vessel off Gasmata. On the Northern New Guinea mainland, camp areas along the enemy’s main coastal supply road have been again under attack. In the Solomons Allied light naval craft are believed to have sunk a small enemy auxiliary vessel in Blackett Strait, off the south-west coast of Kolombangara, on Tuesday night. No changes are reported in the ground situations in New Georgia or New CPuinea. South of Salamaua skirmishes occurred in the Bobdubi area, and there has been scattered artillery fire from both sides.

General MacArthur's communique reports that the American advance on Kairoko Harbour, on the north coast of New Georgia, continues. An American war correspondent in the area renorts that a notice has been posted, announcing that the Munda airfield captured last week by American forces will be “open for business later this month—but under new management." It is expected that Munda airfield will be used by Allied bombers and fighters about the middle of August.