INCREASED ACTIVITY

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLXI, Issue 15211, 28 November 1942, Page 3

INCREASED ACTIVITY

JAPS ON TIMOR. - United Press Assn. —By Electilt Telegraph—Copyright (Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY, Nov. 20 Although naturally pre-oceupied with the protracted final stages of the Papuan campaign. Australia is haviiixg its attention drawn increasingly to the developments in the en-emy-occupied islands of tlie Arafura Sea, north of Darwin. Signs .of increased Japanese activity, particularly on Timor, Jiave suggested to some commentators that the enemy may be planning at least diversionary attacks against North of Australia areas. The “sulcid© stand” of General Horrii’s troops in the Buna-Gona fortress area is seen by som© reviewers as a possible distraction to an Allied force which might otherwise be employed for* the defence of Northern Australia. However, the Allied garrison in the north is substantial, well-tramed and strongly supported with armoured units and air strengths. Those #responsible for Australia’s military strategy have nofc neglecte d th e enemj threat from tin* Arafura. Sea. The completion of the linking northsouth and east-west roads across th© Continent give tlies© northern forces supply lines which an invading enemy would find difficult to cut. The latest Japanese offer.-sh-e move in the area w*as a. further ail* raid on Darwin mi Wednesday night. Twelv-6 bombers caused slight damage. Beaulighters retaliated with continued attacks on Timor objectives, strafing enemy positions at Vi nil ale add Ban can. Vin dale is 15 miles inland from Baucaii on the trail to Beco.