STUBBORN DEFENCE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 89, 26 January 1942, Page 3

STUBBORN DEFENCE.

AMERICANS IN PHILIPPINES. HEAVY ATTACKS BY ENEMY. WASHINGTON, Jan. 25. The stubborn defence of the Philippines against the Japanese forces augmented by new landings, is described in a United States War Department communique, which states that fresh Japanese troops are continuing heavy attacks against General MacArthur’s troops on the Bataan Peninsula. These attacks are particularly heavy on the left flank, and supported by the fire of hostile naval vessels and by aircraft.

The enemy has succeeded in taking a number of ' positions on the west coast. Fierce counter-attacks expelled the Japanese from some of these points, but others remain in the possession of the enemy. Heavy losses have been suffered on both sides. The enemy continues to land new troops at Subec Bay and on the west coast of the Bataan Peninsula, greatly increasing the number of the invaders. Although fatigued by constant fighting the American and Filipino troops continue their stubborn resistance, contesting savagely every advance made by the enemy. Their enthusiasm, courage and devotion are undiminished. There is nothing to report from other areas.

The War Department also reports that in flagrant violation of the rules of war the Japanese are now maltreating prisoners. After a counterattack General MacArthur’s forces found the body of a Filipino scout in a stream. His hands had been tied behind his hack, and he had been bayoneted several times before being thrown into the stream to die. General MacArthur has reported that the Japanese announced from Tokio that the American and Filipino troops in the Bataan Peninsula were using gas shells. There is no truth ill this statement, and lie has absolutely no intention of violating the rules of war.

“However foully the Japanese may act, I will abide by the decent concepts of humanity and civilisation, adds General MacArthur. A correspondent has praised the magnificent defence of the .American forces in the Philippines. Anti-aii-craft defences on the island of Corrcoridor and the Bataan Peninsula have accounted for 10 to 25 per cent, of the Japanese iaiders. By January 16, 84 enemy aeroplanes had boon brought, down bv anti-aircraft defence, and a further 38 shot down by American pilots. , . ... The Japanese invaders ot the Philippines have proclaimed 17 offences for which civilians will pay with then lives. One is the refusal to accept .Japanese currency and another the making of derogatory remarks about Japanese currency.