A GRAVE LOSS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 85, 21 January 1942, Page 5

A GRAVE LOSS

THE OILFIELDS AT TARAKAN. INSTALLATIONS DESTROYED. STUBBORN DEFENCE BY DUTCH. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Roe. 10.5 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 20. The capture by the Japanese of Tarakan is recognised in authoritative Netherlands circles as a grave loss to the Allies. The oil in Tarakan is of such high quality that it can be used without any further treatment. Netherlands air patrols sighted a large Japanese convoy on the way to the island. The work of destruction of the oil we]ls was immediately begun. The Japanese made the greatest efforts to force back the defenders of the island so as to enable them to gain at least some part of the oilfields intact, but the Dutch held on with grim determination until the wells aiid military installations had been completely destroyed. It is reliably reported that no oil can be produced for at least six months —and some experts are inclined to a a much longer period. In the meantime it is hoped the situation at sea will make it increasingly difficult .for the Japanese to transport any oil they are evcntuallv able to obtain-.

Warning was given of the serious consequences which would result from Japanese control of the Malacca Straits as the Japanese Navy would then he able to threaten Rangoon, and the Burma road might he endangered, with grave consequences to supplies to China.