LAND FORCES SOUTH OF KUALA LUMPUR

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23536, 14 January 1942, Page 5

LAND FORCES SOUTH OF KUALA LUMPUR

The Japanese claims to have captured Tarakan are not confirmed by the latest Batavia communique which speaks of fierce resistance there. The communique states: “Operations in

(Received January 13, 11 p.m.) ( U * RA -) LONDON, January 13. Japanese have been attempting heavy air raids on Singapore, but have met with little success. Further details of yesterday’s attacks show that six enemy aeroplanes were destroyed for certain and four more were probably destroyed. No bomb damage has been reported. The Japanese aircraft came over in three formations, numbering 125 in all, and were engaged by Allied fighters. Of the land fighting in Malaya, there has been no fresh news since it was announced from Singapore that the British forces had withdrawn to positions north of Seremban, where they were in contact with the enemv. Seremban is 30 miles south of Kuala Lumpur and 150 miles north of Singapore. It is stated in Singapore that the Japanese have occupied Kuala Lumpur. Reuter’s correspondent with the British forces describes how, as he drove through Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, he heard explosions behind him as bridges were blown up, and saw clouds of smoke rising from the city when the railway station was apparently set on fire. Details of the fighting at Tarakan, in north-east Borneo, and at Minahassa, in north Celebes, where the Japanese have made landings, are still lacking.

and our forces. No further details are available about the attack at Minahassa where our troops are offering fierce resistance. In operations there one of our naval aircraft was lost.” The Batavia radio, however, according to an agency message, said that all measures had been taken for the oil wells and oil plants of Tarakan to be destroyed in case the Netherlands East Indies forces should not be able to hold their positions. “It seems possible,” said the broadcast, “that the garrison will not be able to hold its ground against the enemy’s overwhelming numbers for any length of time. The restoration of the oil installations,” it is added, “will take at least some months, and it is needless to say that by then the invaders will again have been driven out.” Japan has declared war against the Netherlands East Indies “because of their general attitude."