The Sydney Morning Herald from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia • Page 5

RED ARMIES MAINTAIN RELIEF PRESSURE WAR GOODS FROM U.S. More Reaching Australia THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. MONDAY, OCTOBER 5. I'M? 5 "HOLD ON IN NORTH FOR SIX MONTHS" Prelude lo Victory Drive, Says Mr. Curtin APPEAL FOR WAR LOAN STALINGRAD RESISTANCE GERMANS BIDDIJW; FOR GROZNY AUSTRALIANS PUSH ON IN NEW GUINEA ENEMY MAY BE GETTING OUT U.S.

TROOPS LAND IN ALEUTIANS From Our Staff Correspondents and A.A.P. Australian troops pursuing the retreating Japanese in New Guinea have now reached Efogi village, at the entrance to The Gap the narrow pass through the main range of the Owen Stanley Mountains without having seen any sign of the enemy since they captured Naoro, a considerable distance back along the track. They have found no evidence that the enemy has even attempted to make a stand, although a number of ridges offered him means of preparing defences. More ammunition, stores, and equipment have been captured. It would appear that tha Japanese have but two alternatives to make a stand on the top of the range or to withdraw altogether from the Kokoda-Buna area.

But since such a withdrawal, after that at Milne Bay, would he a great loss of face, it is not expected that they will accept the second alternative without some show of force. U.S. troops have occupied the Andreanof Islands, in tbe centre of the Aleutians (west of Alaska), without opposition, and American aircraft, from heavy bombers to fighters, are using airfields there to continue their harassing of Japanese positions and shipping farther west, notably at Kiska Harbour, 125 miles away. CANBERRA, Sunday. Australian forces in New Guinea were waging a holding fight and must continue to hold for at least six months, declared the Prime Minister, Mr.

Curtin, in a national austerity loan broadcast last night. Then, should events be favourable, the nation could look forward to an accretion of strength that would enable it to start the march, which, once started, must go on unhalted to victory. The commanders. General MacArthur and General Blarney, were performing their duty, he said, and he was not going to make Australian fighting men suicide squads for the sole purpose of satisfying armchair strategists. In the name of these fighting men, he asked that the 1 00,000,000 austerity loan be over-subscribed.

FOUR PRIME MINISTERS SPEAK From Our Staff Correspondent and A.A.P. LONDON, Oct 4. To-day's Moscow communique reports that the Russians have repelled enemy attacks inside Stalingrad, and have maintained their pressure in offensive operations both to the south and north-west of the city. The relief offensive north-west of Stalingrad it the stronger of the two. It has forced the Germans to give up yet another position.

South of the city the Russians routed a Rumanian regiment and destroyed 10 tanks and 30 motor-trucks. Heavy fighting continues in the Mosdok region, where the Germans have made some gains in the past few days, although their latest attacks have been held. The approaching winter is forcing the Germans to make a determined bid to seize the Grozny oilfields. Moscow declares that the Russians north-west of Moscow smashed through German fortified positions to capture a point on a railway line, and to carry the battle into the outskirts of an inhabited locality. The Moscow newspaper, "Pravda," says that Russian war factories in the last three months have made a record output of planes, tanks, guns, automatics, rifles, and ammunition.

Hundreds of factories exceeded their quota for September, when the aircraft industry exceeded its schedule by six per cent, and the tank industry made similar progress. FOUR BIG BATTI.ES ON ONE FRONT From Our Staff Correspondent. A. W. V.

King LONDON, Oct. 4. Stalingrad disappointed with th result of street amaina4- -11 riifhtinK should now carrv mifc cnn- the Pacific Is a major theatre of war, so also are the Middle East, Russia, aud China major theatres of war. "The common pool from which those four theatres must be served Is limited by the ability ot the United Nations to bring their full potential productivity into reality, and by the tremendous problem of shipping, which every day becomes more scute. Australia, therefore, has the task of holding the enemy until the potential becomes the reality and we can strtke with all the punching power of the United Nations.

"Until that day comes, we must haog grimly on. And we are hanging on, for I remind you, as a comfort to our friends and as a defiance to our enemy, that It is aeven months since Singapore fell, and the enemy has not progressed beyond Rabaul. GRIM TASK "He strikes now at Port Moresby. We are staging there a holding fight, and we mint hold there, and hold wherever else the enemy strikes at us for a period which, I have stated, will be at least six months. "Holding on will be a grim business.

It should be a silent business. Fighting men fight: they don't talk. All the theories of armchair strategy will not advance our men In New Guinea one yard, nor throw tbe enemy back one yard. "I have told Parliament that plans for the campaign in New Guinea have been in effect for some time, and that tbey are being carried out. But, In the full consciousness of the responsibilities Imposed upon me, I am not going to make ot our fighting men in New Guinea mere suicide squads for the sole purpose of satisfying talkative armchair strategists.

In air attacks last week over Kiska and other Japanese-held points in the islands American aircraft probably sank two ships, damaged two others, and shot down six Zero fighters. In Far Eastern waters American submarines have sunk five more Japanese ships, probably sunk two, and damaged another. Meanwhile, aircraft from General MacArthur's command are continuing to hammer Japanese bases and shipping in the Solomons 'and New Britain. A naval force was surprised in the week end in a harbour in the Faisi-Buin area (northern Solomons), and torpedo- planes are believed to have hit three light cruisers and two merchant ships. In Rabaul harbour (New Britain), a and a 7.000-ton transport were set on fire and a cruiser and an unidentified vessel are believed to have been hit.

It is now revealed that the Chief of the U.S. Army Air Corps, Lieutenant-Genera! Arnold, has visited Australia. He flew back to Washington in a bomber that set up a new record for the South Pacific crossing, and was awarded the D.S.M. for his survey of the route and his organisation of communications and strategy. JAPANESE MAY HAVE BITTEN tins the Germans can muster, following a very alarming 48 hours In which the Germans seemed to have secuted a fatal throttle-hold, but it Is still touch and to.

Four major battle are now ravins on the Stalingrad front. Tbe first Ik inside the city, particularly in the north-western industrial suburbs, where the Germans yesterday lost (round which tbey had taken. Tbe second battle is north-west of the city, where Marshal Timoshenko's relief army is pushing slowly against the German left flank. The third battle is south of the city, where the Russians are trying so far unsuccessfullyto break into the right flank of the German corridor between the Don and the Volga. The fourth battle is on the Don Itself, where Russian airmen, engineers, and sappers are waging an unremitting war against the German supply lines.

The battle in the north-western suburbs remains the most critical, and yesterday's slight improvement, although Important, was largely offset by the German success in capturing some valued positions north of the city. The small favourable development for the Russians should not be allowed to encourage a belief that Stalingrad's ordeal is any leas severe. Alexander Wertb, the sound Moscow correspondent of the "Sunday Times," best sums up Stalingrad's immediate future In the following words: "The weight of the German tanks and guns thrown against Stalingrad may ultimately tell. It Is significant that the Germans- From Mr. Curtin.

's appeal was supported by broadcast addresses by three other Dominion Prime Ministers Mr. Peter Fraser, of New Zealand, Mr. Mackenzie King, ot Canada, and Field-Marshal Smuts, of South Africa. They congratulated Mr. Curtin on hi completion of IS months ot office a Prim Minister, and commended the Australian Austerity Campaign as an eaaential part ot the war effort.

"To-day. seven centuries after Magna Carta, we are faced with the necessity to defend all that waa won in the struggle for human liberty," said Mr. Curtin. "Part of what we bave won Is evidenced this evening as I speak to you. The Prima Minister ot Australia, whoever he may be, holds that office only by tbe will of tbe people'a representatives.

Only an enemy can abrogate the right you have to elect the Parliament and control the Government. That la the kernel of our cause against the enemy. If that right be lost, then all be lost. "This Australia ha never known the conqueror heel. In 150 years au enemy has never yet set foot on our soil.

I ask you, therefore, to give earnest regard to what would ensue were tbe enemy to land hare. That must be your day-to-day thought. Australia call to you to devote your way of lit to saving the free life of Australia. MAJOR THKATRB "Our primary concern la the Pacific theatre." said Mr. Curtin.

"and the Australian Government has always, given the fullest weight to the assertion that it 1 a theatre which must be given fullest recognition and not regarded merely as a segment of the struggle against the Axis. But Just as "NOT A WAR OP Mr. Curtin expressed the "complete trust" of the Government in General MacArthur snd General Blarney. "The commanders are discharging a soldier's duty, and keeping the soldier pledge," he said. "In th performance of that duty they carry a terrible burden.

The lightening of that burden can, come only by the certain knowledge they should have that the nation ia behind them ra man-powtr, In money, and in materials. "It is the task of the commanders to hold on. a task all tha more difficult because no fighting man likes being on the defensive. Tbey are holding on: th men in New Guinea are holding on: tbe men of the Ait Force are holding on with far below the number and fighting-power of aircraft they would like to bave; the men of the Royal Australian Navy are holdiug on while mourning the Sydney, tbe Perth, and tbe Canberra. AIM AT CAN.

ICRS "Are you holding on, or are you giving way to the cankers of slackness, of luxury spending, of absentee- i.n. ni-nAt-mBl'tncr? "This Government has made decis ion after decision aimed at those cankers, and it will make mure decisions until those persons who atlll think this is a war of auiart uniforms and gay of opportunities for making more money, of disputations about whether thla or that should be done, are brought fully to the reallw-tlon of what winning victory in a total war Involves. rnmmend vou to a motion pic ture made by the Department of Information, and entitled, "Kokoda 'I! I one small sector a few dozen yards wide, and by blasting everything allow tanks and infantry to advance a small distance. There is hope for Stalingrad as long as the Red artillery and the gun ammunition last out, but the supply problem across the Volga is extremely difficult. If Stalingrad falls it will be a severe blow to morale, but less than If it had fallen a month ago." Even if the Russians lose the battle of Stalingrad, there are increasing signs that, they would win the battle of the Volga, which would succeed it.

The Germans' occupation of Stalingrad's ruins would not give them undisputed control of the lower Volga. The Russian army there is increasing in sb-e daily, as more reserves are brought to the area, and it is preparing to give battle for the river if Stalingrad falls. Briefly, whatever happens to Stalingrad in the next few days or weeks will not overshadow the gains of its superb defence. Tbe Germans' Caucasian Dlans have been held up for two months. The Caucasian drive has languiilied and only now.

when the snow is coming down the mountains, does it show sign of revival. The Russians' territorial and material losses have made, it harder for them to fight a long war. but the delay which Timoshenko imposed on the Germans has prevented them from strangling Russia. There have been no significant developments elsewhere. Roth sides are exacting heavy pressure on the Vorone) front, where the Germans have not gained ground.

The Russians are still defending fiercely and successfully the approaches to the Black Sea ports south-east of Novorosslsk. no signs at present of a decisive ascendancy either way. although the series of heights which the Russians took on Thursday is highly Important tactically. In view of the dominance of artillery In steppe fighting. The Russian drive south ot Stalingrad ia apparently on a smaller scale." The correspondent adds: "The Russian Guards under General Rodlmstev.

who are inside Stalingrad proper, are fighting confidently and (Irmly, and are holding the Initiative In the street righting, but the Germans In the outskirts have established a chain of powerful fortresses and have also occupied the strongest surviving buildings. When they occupy such buildings Ihey destroy the surrounding property and trees In order to get a clear field of Art. Those tactics are significant when seen In conjunction with Hitler's reference to the Wehr-macht's determination to gain a permanent hold on the Volga." Berlin Radio, quoting front-line correspondent, aaya that tha Volga has become a "no-man's land." There are no ships, and no boats ara seen in the day-time, but tbe Russians are still crossing the river after dark, and bringing up reinforcements and supplies of food to Stalingrad. Severe lighting is going on In one mountain gorge in the Mosdok area, where the Germans concentrated four divisions with huge artillery and tank support, but the Russian repulsed 10 day attacks and one night attack. A group of Rtisrian marines standing fo hours In the Don, with only reeds to protect them, launched floating mines with great suceesa.

The mines swirled downstream and blew up two of tha Germans' largest pontoon bridges, which were used for the reinforcement and supply ot the troops assaulting Stalingrad. tinued for an Inhabited place, the outskirts of which the Oerman had Knetrated yesterday. Th Russians destroyed two tank and killed more than 100 men. "Our forces north-west of Moscow mashed through 10 German fortified position to capture a point on a railway line, sod to carry tha battle into th outskirts of sn inhabited locality. Our unit In this advance captured 1000 mine and much other booty.

Th Oerman in a Dot her aer-tor of this front drove a wedge in the Russian position, but th Russians checked the thrust after hand-to-hand fighting. "The gun crews of a Russian armoured tram which was attacked from the air shot down two bombers and saved 150 trucks." To-day's Berlin communique says: "Our force -in th north-western Caucasus captured several blockhouse and firing positions. Th Germans south of the Terek River took the strongly fortified and stubbornly defended towns of Klchotnvo and Verchnl. "We ousted the Russians fiom a fortified block of houses and fortified positions in northern Stalingrad after stiff fighting. In which strong formations of short-range lighters supported th snny units.

Other sir unit continued their destruction ot Russian supply lines, destroying a number of transport trains and sinking a motorship on the Volga. Bombers at night attacked aerodromes and artillery positions east of the Volga. German shock trooos on the 1 front west ot Moscow carried nut a i successful operation. German offensive operations south-east of Lake tlmen bote mad further progress." MM OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENT. NSW YORK, Oct.

4. Goods required by Australia from the United States ars being sent In an ever-lncresaing flow, and the time between ordering and shipping la being progressively diminished. Several nilllloo tons, of mors than 3 000 kinds of foods, probably will have tone to Australia by tha end of I94'J. and it la hoped that considerably more will be shipped In 1943, depending on the availability of shipping and other unpredictable factors. These points wer revealed to Australian Presa representatives during an outline of problems of the Commonwealth's procurement of goods la the United Slates.

Canadian and United States supplies are being increasingly coordinated, and Australian and other United Nations' requirements are being plotted ahead as far as 1M. An extensive combination of procurement boards of the United Nations ia also taking place for tha purpose of allocating vital materials, as well as for rationing. It is aimed to rationalise tbe whole procedure of procurements for the United Nations in North America, with Increasing emphasis on lease-lend. Australian sources here feel that Commonwealth requirements under the new procedures will be assured of ever-growing fulfilment. AUSTRALIAN ORDERS, 140,700,000 NEW YORK, Oct.

4 (A.A.P.). The Director-General of the Australian War Supplies Procurement Board, Mr. L. R. Macgregor, said that Australia obtained her supplies by four methods.

The first was direct purchase, which was gradually decreasing. It amounted to only 24,000.000 dollars (7,500,000) a year from Canada and the United States. The second was through Import licences. This alio was Jecreasing. The third was by diversions from British contracts.

The fourth wa through This covered most supplies. 1,6041 CONTRACTS Aiistralia had 3.000 lend-lease contracts, representing 450,000,000 dollars (140,700,0001. with the United States. Deliveries so far averaged 33 per cent, of the orders, and the per- r.nam .1 il inrrvatinK Australia was employing 300 persons ih Washington, 200 In New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Ottawa in procurement activities. Australian orders mostly were placed a year In advance of the delivery date.

One order was recently placed for delivery early In 1944. Mr. Macgregor said that American supplies were going to the fronts where they were needed most, but Australia occupied a very high priority position. He added thst 1943 prospects were favourable. EARL'S HEIR KILLED I-ONDON.

Oct. 4 AA.P. Viscount Wolmer. heir to the Minister of Economic Wsrfsre. the Earl ot Bel-borne, has been accidentally killed by a shell during regimental field exercises.

LATE NEWS GERMANS VANISH IN HOLLAND IONDON. Oct. 4 A.A.P.). The Moscow Bureau say that three German officers and 32 soldiers at The Hague have vanished without a trace. Dutch patriots elsewhere ambushed a German staff car and killed four officers and escaped with arms from the car.

A number of bodies of Oerman soldiers was recovered from a canal in Amsterdam at the end of September. BRITAIN AIDING BY RAIDS WASHINGTON. Oct. 4 (A.A.P.I. The British Ambassador to the United States, Lord Halifax, said In a speech that the recent British air raids in north-western Europe might not appear related to the Russian front, but the" constituted blows at the communications of Germany's weakest spots.

He added that there was reason to believe that, to find men for the Russian campaigns, the Germans had been forced to comb factories and farms. Lord Halifax said that Great Britain. with a population of 47,000,000, was turning nut as many aircraft as Germany, with a population of 80.000.000. He added that British war production a head of population was greater than that of any other nation. FRANCE AND "NEW ORDER" LONDON.

Oct. 4. A apokacman of the German Km bass in Paris said to-day that the French contribution to the Nasi "new order" was the supply of labour to replace Oerman workers now fighting in Russia, In case Frenchmen were atlll as loth as ever to follow the path bland for them by Laval, the spokesman added tha threat: "After the war every nation will have to giv an' account oi wnat it nu contributed to the cause of Germany." (See next page.) GOERING'S SNEER LONDON. Oct. 4 l.U P.t.-Speaking at a harvest thanksgiving oere- mony, Reich-Marshal Goerlng sneered I at the Dieppe raid a an attempt to open a second front.

He described It as a miscarriage. "I would be th last to under -rate the Americans, who havt don colossal thing technically, especially regarding cars, radios, and rater blades," he added, 'However, this la not enough for rearmament programme. It I impossible simultaneously to put an army of millions in the field and treble th number of Industrial workers. "Americans, from the President down, are unsurpassed for bluff." Ooeting considered that tha coming winter would be easier for all. It would be a crime tor the Oerman people to defeatists when the Oerman soldier wer gaming victory after victory, Ooerlng announced that th Oerman meat ration would be increased bv two-thirds of an ounce, but only an raid-threatened area.

(Se next paga.) STALINGRAD'S DEADLIEST FIGHTING Our Staff Correspondent Stanley f.ont may be traced as far back to the last week in August, when our heavy destruction of grounded fighter planes on the Buna field proved the impracticability or their trying to hold that as a counter-base to Port Moresby. Since then it has been a Japanese force crippled by lack of air protection that has been trying to brave bombing and defy distance in Its effort to get closer to Port Moresby. It is obvious thst the retreat would go to the improbable limit of complete evacuation only if Japan felt that extrication held advantages to outweigh the admission of failure aod tbe risk of drawing the Allies' fire. Building ot the Buna-Kokoda road has been too assiduous in recent weeks to allow it to fall easily into Allied hands. Moreover, the plans of the enemy take into serious account tbe maintenance of soma crossing of the Kumuai River at Walrope, between Kokoda and Buna.

Destructive raids were made on tbe Wairopi bridge again on Friday and Saturday, but the Japanese, with anulik naralatence still try to repoir the extensive damage overnight. CLOSB AIR SUPPORT For two days there has been close air support for our forward troops In the ranges. Bombing and strafing of near section of the Japanese supplv lines on Friday was followed yesterday with similar swoops on areas north of Efogi and around Myola Ikes. th saltpan on which the Japanese established dumps during their southward drive. The main body of Australians la some distance behind the party thac has reached Efogi.

Tbe forward men have been eager to make contact with the enemy. To-days communique from General MacArthur's headquarters describes them las "in aggressive pursuit." Latest report were that rain had been falling in that part of th range, so their quick advance must have been made along a muddy track. At Kfogi the track divides, one bypath going up three miles lor three hours' travelling on foot) to Kngl, and the other covering double that distance and tlm to Myola lakes. The sub-tracks come together again on the north aid of tbe range, around Kokoda. There is a possibility that the enemy Is taking advantage of this double, lead, and may try to lure some of our men Into a trap before the height of The Gap I reached.

Our men. however, are advancing cautiously and are prepared. Tbe only other land activity reported from the New Guinea mainland since the last despatches was a surprise sortie by an Allied force at Mubo. IS miles south of Salamaua. at of a LONDON.

Oct. 4 A.A.P.). The deadliest fighting in Stalingrad till centres on the northwestern factory area, where the Germans are making an effort to saturate the Russian defences. The German Radio says that the main -eight ot tha battle for Stalingrad in the last few days has gradually moved towards the northern Oerman flank, where artillery bombardments and aerial fighting have leached unprecedented violence. between the fighting groups Is hardly possible.

Reports from Moscow yesterday Indicated that a German tank wedge In a workers' settlement in northwestern Stalingrad had been cleaned up. The Russians also ousted the Gcrirans from important buildings, including a four-storey building domt-natint the surrounding area. Two hundred Germans perished In the battle for this building. Vichy Radio, quoting an Italian front line despatch, says that fierce battles are being fought out by the light of torches and electric lamps In the subterranean passages and cellars beneath Stalingrad's ruins. The Moscow correspondent of "The Times" says: "Tha Russian commanders north-west of Stalingrad have not only deployed a force which is strong enough to meet any German attempt to strike northwards along the main lines of communication parallel with tha Don and the Volga, but are also conducting successful but difficult attacks against Oerman salients.

Both aides arc fully tensed, and faltering by either side would nave far-reaching results. There are OFF TOO MUCH G.a.Q. COMMUNIQUES To-day communique said: NORTH-WESTERN SECTOR: Re connaissance only. NORTH-EASTERN SECTOR: Solomoos-Falsl-Uuin in a dawn attack a formation of Allied torpedo-planes surprised an enemy naval force anchor in tha harbour. Three enemy light cruisers and two medium merchant vessels are believed to have been hit by torpedoes dropped at close range.

Poor visibility rendered accurate observation impossible. One ot our plaues is missing. New tiainea. Buaa': An Allied fighter formation carried out a sweep along the Kokoda track, strafing a warehouse building and huts. Kokoda: Allied medium bombers scored three direct hits with heavy bombs on the Wairopi bridge, destroying tbe partially repaired eastern end.

Owes Stanley area: In aggressive pursuit, our forward element have pushed up th trail to Efogi. Additional enemy ordnance stores and equipment have been captured. Allied attack planes, in co-opera-lion with advancing ground units, bombed and strafed enemy area north Efogi and in tbe vicinity of Myola Lakes. Make: Our ground forces executed surorlse raid against the enemy, inflicting at least 36 casualties. Saturday communique aaid: NORTH-WESTERN SECTOR: Activity was limited to reconnaissance.

NORTH-EASTER SECTOR: Selomens. Bnin: Allied bombers attacked the airfield at night. Hits were insde on dispersal areas and supply facilities. An enemy cruiser offshore was bombed, with unobserved results. Bake: Allied medium bomber unit executed two night raids on the aerodrome, with unobserved results.

New Britain. Kabaul Allied heavy bombers attacked enemy shippiug In the harbour. Direct hits were niade on two transports, one of lS.OOO tons the other of 7.000 tons. Both were set on flie. An enemy cruiser and an unidentified vessel are believed to have been hit.

Bombs were also dropped on an aerodrome, blowing up an ammunition dump. During the attack, heavy anti-aircraft fire was encountered. All our planes returned to their base. New Galnea. Kokoda area: An Allied fighter formation attacked the Wairopi bridge with bombs and strafing Are, causing further damage to tha span, whleh la now almost completely destroyed.

Owea Stanley area: Forward elements of our ground forces have passed Menari without re-establishing contact with the enemy. Supporting the advance. Allied attack planes and fighters bombed and strafed occupied areas along tbe enemy's supply line. damaged condition." (Thta Is the vessel mentioned in the later communique as wpparently ab udotted i Another aaya: "United States submarines have reported the follcwing results of operations against th enemy in Far Eastern waters: "On large seaplane tender, one large cat go and passenger ship, one large freighter, and two medium cargo sbipa sunk. "Two medium cargo ships probably tunk.

"On Urge tanker damaged. These actions bava not been announced In any previous communique." The Distinguished Service Medal wis pretexted to Ueutensnt-Oeneral Arnold hi arrival In Washington i alter a 21 000 miles' alt (uivey ot the i South Fauiflu. i General Arnold flew tram Australia to Washington In the total elapsed time of 77 nop Actual flying time waa IS hour 3 minute, which waa slightly better than General Brett's record. I Tha citation of th Distinguished Service I'eial referred to General I Arnold extraordinary achievement while participating in a flight from Brisbane to Bolllngfleld. from I Tuesday to Friday, "exhibiting axoep-I tlonal leadership, courage, and precision, and demonstrating th high (degree of strategic mobility of long-rang aircraft and th ability ot an i air commander to maintain intimate I content with units In tha field, thus making notable contribution to th Snny air effort." "FORCES GATHERING," SAYS SMUTS SOMEWHERE IN AUSTRALIA, Sunday.

The continued withdrawal of the Japanese at a faster rate thao they can be pursued must cause us some surprise. It raises the question whether they propose to turn and stand on top of the range or to cut their losses and withdraw from the Buna-Kokoda area. There would seem to be no satisfactory middle course for them. It would not be prudent to speculate too far at this stage on tha purpose of the enemy's set Ion. but it now seems reasonable to suppose that Japan ia finding the New Guinea, and Solomons campaign too much to handle at tbe same time.

It is not to be expected that tbe Japanese will run out of New Guinea without some show of force. A second withdrawal, following that at Milne Bay. would be a distinctly bad loss of face. If th Japanese go i to prepared oeiences at any point uc-yond Tbe Gap they can become no more than a relatively small nuisance factor in terms of Port Moresby's defence, unless they get substantial reinforcements. They have already tasted the bitterness of trying to keep up lood.

medicine, and arms supplies to men who crawl through interminable Jungle without achieving their purpose. They could not hope to renew that with any chance of better results. "IMPASSABLE BARRIER" Resistance north of The Gap could not be more than a token resistance, with our airmen pummelling the supply line without challenge from a single enemy fighter. Such a stand would as plainly a an outright withdrawal- Justify the description of "Impassable barrier" given by General MacArthur's headquarters to the Owen Stanley Range at the outset of the enemy's drive. Militarily It would sppear to have been proved Impassable to the Japanese, whose hurried retirement incidentally should cancel the criticism levelled at our own leaders at a time when the Australians were trying vainly to hold the front with their supply lines stretching over the range from Kokoda.

Should Japan take her troops right back to Kokoda -Buna, she might as well evacuate the territory, unless planes can be mustered at short notice to protect that lighter target of troops and supplies from our own eager airmen. This suggests that the reason for the enemy's abandonment of the Owen ILS. AIRCRAFT WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 (A.A.P.). Yesterday's Navy communique said: "United States Array troops, covered and supported by naval units, recently occupied I positions in the Andreanof group in the Aleutians, encountering no enemy opposition.

"Army aircraft, Including Consolidated bombers. Flying Fortresses, Lockheeds, Airacobras, and Curttsscs, are now operating from airfield In these islands. "An enemy cargo abip, wbioh was attack last Monday north-west of i Kiska, waa again bombed and abated the following day. No opposition was encountered, and tbe ship appeared to have been abandoned. "Despite considerable flak.

Consolidated bombers bombed enemy ships in Risk Harbour on Wednesday and scored two hit, setting fire to a trans-; poit. They alas bombed and st Ore lo a camp area. "All our planes KISKA BATTERED An earlier oommunlqua said that last Sunday Army Liberator bomber bombed enemy ahlpa and shore inatal-lationa at Klaka. On 2oro fighter was shot down. Damag to bomb objectives could not be determined.

All th plane returned. "On th same data, near Attn Island," the communion aaid. "three Army bombers attacked a transport, I "The Australian fighting men In New Guinea will hold on. and the Australian Government will, to the very utmost of Its capacity, give to them the means of holding on. SMART UNIFORMS" Front Line." There you will see your fellow-Australians fighting for you, not in smart uniforms and waving flags, not making profits or haggling about time off, but stripped for war grimly holding with their flesh and blond their sinews and mind the enemy from overwhelming you.

"This nation must strip itself for war. It must put aside its peacetime habits and customs and privileges, and, In the terms of the austerity campaign, adopt a way ot life that will rigorouslv and without embellishment enable everything that Is life to be conducted on a strict war footing. By so doing, the resources formerly expended can become available for war purpose. GATHER RESOURCES "The 100,000,000 loan Is now open." said Mr. Curtin.

"In the name of our fighting men I ask that the loan be over-subscribed. You can make your application now at any money order post-office or bank. Give now for your country, for upon our ability to gather our resources now will depend our strength In the future. "A period of not less than six months has been placed upon the span between our position to-day and a situation in which, should events he favourable to the cause nf the. United Nations, we can look forward to an accretion of strength that will enable us to start the march that, once started, must go on unhalted to victory.

"The test of our title to nationhood is upon us. Remember, if we go down, our children go down with m. Defeat means our sale into bondage, complete and absolute, with all the horrors of physical and mental de-1 gradation." selves snd our children, and no responsible citiaen fails to realise the fact that the real cost of the war must be faced here and now. It is the duty, therefore, of every man and woman to contribute towards the financing of the war effort. "We In this country are proud Indeed to be marching side by side once again with the men who, a generation ago, made Ansae a term of imperishable fame and who are at present winning as great renown." PORTFOLIOS UNCHANGED IN 12 MONTHS CANBERRA, Sunday.

Thrre have been no changes in tho Curtin Government in its first year of office, which ended yesterday. Mr. Curtin wa commissioned to form a Government on October 3 IS41, and the Ministry was sworn In on October 7. No new Ministers hsve barn appointed and no portfolios changed. The longest period without changa I wm iruin Aunt 4v, iviu, wncn trie second Fisher Government took office.

unni uciooer 14. ihii. Mr. Curtin has received a telegram from the Mayor ot Fremantle, Aldet-man F. Qlbson.

M.L.C., congratulating him on his work in Ihe nut 12 i months. A Parkes resident has Informed Mr. Curtin that hia son. a aergeant In New Guinea, had forwarded 110, saved from hi military pav, to be Invested In the Austerity Loan. SU6AR RVTION IN N.Z.

REDUCED A ND, Sunday, The sugar ration for October haa been reduced from 13 ounces a week to ten ounce for each person. The reduction la do lo Irregularity In shipping. Triers is a possibility nf a further curtailment in November. GAINS BY RUSSIAN RELIEF FORCE NOW USING ALEUTIAN DROMES Points in the addresses by the. other Dominion Prime Ministers were: FIEf.D-MARSUAI.

SMUTS. South Africa: "Australians have not hesitated to go to tbe different war fronts; but war ha suddenly come to their own shores. have the fullest confidence in th ability ot Australia to hold out. "The forward march of Japan has at last been halted. Vast Allied forces and resource are gathering in support ot Austrslia's delence.

Japan is finding, to her dismay, that she is not dealing with an outpost of the West in tire Far East, but that the might of tire West itself moves behind the de-fdnrfft nf Australia. Janan mav well recoil before this array ot assistance. In any rase, the future of Australia will be eatsblished on invincible foundations as a result of this war. We pray for her complete victory." MR. KING, Canada: "The conflict to-day encompasses the globe.

Every enemy gain prolongs the struggle, every Allied victory brings It nearer to it close. For these reasons, money cannot be too greatly or too largely subscribed. Our war loans are essential not only to the immediate prosecution of tha war and th ultimate attainment of victory, but equally to the achievement of a new world order." Mr. PETRSt FaASER, New Zealand: "To-day, It ia given to every citixen lo make th fullest possible contribution, direct ot Indirect, towards the attainment of victory. There is no need to remind the people of Australia that vaat sums of money are needed ir our previous rights and hard-won liberty ar to be mad aeour for our CONSTABLE THROWN FROM CYCLE Constable Chalmers, of Windsor Poltee Station, waa thrown from his motor cycle whtl pursuing a car without light on Mulgrava Road, Mulgrav, on Saturday night.

aufTered a fracture of th left shoulder and shock, and was admitted to Windsor District Hospital. LONDON. Oct. 4 tA A.Pl On of the biggest results achieved by the Russian relief force north-west ot Stalingrad In the list few days was the dislodge-merit of the Germans from a number of fortified positions, snnouneed by Moscow in tha regular communique on Friday night, and the capture, near a height, ot 130 Oerman tanks, hich had been dug into the ground as strong-points. To-day's Moscow communique says: "The Russians last night continued fighting the oeraiani in the areas of Stalingrad and Mcednk.

with no material changes on other fronts. "The Russians in Btsllngrsd repulsed German attacks. One Red unit wiped out too Germans and destroyed nine tanks, S5 lorries, six wench mortar batteries, and seven machine-guns. A Russian motorised Cuarda unit in another Stalingrad sector made a surprise raid and forced we Germans back. "Another Ruasiaa unit routed a nfsntry regiment south and captured guns and light weapon.

Th Russians are etlve north-west of Stalingrad. They captured a German fortified position, wiped out a company of Infantry, destroyed three tank, and nut nume-tmis gum out of action. One Rus- tI.J"!'"1!! thl rea n. r)e German tanks. righting in tha Mosdok ansa con escorted by a destroyer.

Near mlsaea damaged the tnnaport, -vhtch waa stationary when last seen. "During Monday morning a strong force of Army heavy bombers, escorted by pursuit planes, again bombed enemy ships end buildings at Kiska. Zero A'Riaf rTT" fighters and aok-ack on surf act ships attempted to repel thta attack. A transport and a submarine were damaged, and probably sunk. Fiv Zero ftght-r wer shot down.

On of our pursuit planes was lost. "During Monday afternoon Army bombers again attacked the Klaka area, strafing and bombing ships and shor facilities. The result ar unknown. "During th am afternoon Army plane attacked an enemy cargo ahlp north-west of KJk. The ahlp wa bombed and strafed and left a criasa een4 i.