JAVA TENSION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 236, 5 October 1945, Page 5

JAVA TENSION

FIGHTING WITH JAPS

Indonesians Control Sourabaya Naval Base N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. 2 p.m. BATAVIA, Oct. 4. Although Batavia is fairly quiet tension is mounting elsewhere in Java. Indonesian Nationalists have acquired almost complete control of the big naval base of Sourabaya. Fighting broke out to-day between Japanese and Indonesians, when a mob of 3000 Indonesians surrounded the Japanese Gestapo headquarters. No details are available, but it is known that casualties occurred on both sides. The Nationalists control Sourabaya airfield and are not allowing planes to land there. . Arms From Japanese The Nationalists at Bandoeng have apparently obtained many arms from the Japanese, including armoured cars, and they appear , to be in full control of the city. They have instituted a curfew. The local police, taking orders from the local political leader, are trying to keep the peace.

The Japanese are demoralised and appear to be handing over thenarms under . threats rather than from any deliberate policy of backing the Nationalist movement. The Nationalists, controlling local newspapers, are pumping out virulent anti-Dutch propaganda. The conditions in Sourabaya and Bandoeng are not exceptional, as a similar state of affairs prevails throughout Java and the Nationalists, with every day that • passes,, are strengthening their hold and becoming better organised. There are thus far no reports of the camps of interned civilians which are scattered throughout Java having been molested. Members of the Allied war prisoner relief organisation are being respected. Armed Gangs of Youths Batavia is quiet during the day but gangs of young Nationalists at : night time, armed with knives and bamboo pikes and some with rifles, 1 have begun establishing road-blocks. There have been demonstrations outside the houses of Dutchmen, but i no incidents have occurred in the past few days involving physical violence against the Dutch. British • officers are treated with respect. - Two more Indian regiments have arrived' at Batavia and joined the Seaforth Highlanders. The occupa- ■ tion of the city is proceeding smoothly. Looting continues, although on a diminished scale. Seaforth Highlanders' patrols last nierht fired on looters and. disarmed some marauding nocturnal bands. Hilvehsum radio, in Holland, reports that the Netherlands Government has ordered the transfer of 6500 Dutch troops from Britain to the East Indies. They are to sail on Monday next.

Interviewed by The Times Batavia correspondent, the Nationalist leader. Dr. Soekarno, declared that he and his followers were strongly opposed to any landings by Dutch forces.. Ho could not say what would happen it the Dutch did land.