AUSTRALIANS IN MALAYA

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 125, 20 February 1941, Page 8

AUSTRALIANS IN MALAYA

Large Contingent ENTHUSIASM AT SINGAPORE Fully-Equipped Force Lands

IBy Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) LONDON, February 19.

There were scenes of tremendous enthusiasm in Singapore today when thousands of Australian troops landed there to reinforce the garrison in Malaya. The contingent is the largest force of nicn ever to arrive in Malaya in a single convoy. It is equipped right down' to the last detail, and the artillery has the most modern howitzers and field guns, all made in Australia.

Huge crowds lined the waterfront at Singapore as the Australian troopships and warships steamed toward the shore. Conspicuous among the troops were nurses’ scarlet capes. There were cheers and cries of “cooee.” The Governor of Malaya and the Australian G.O.C. in Malaya went on board to greet the new arrivals. The men looked lit and cheerful as they landed amidst scenes of enthusiasm. One brawny Queenslander, when asked if he liked the place, replied: "It seems bonza, chum.” The troops have adequate reserves of all necessaries, including ammunition, and will have to depend on local suitplies only for rations and fuel. The men entrained immediately for secret destinations in Malaya. Official circles in Tokio declined to comment on the arrival of the Australians. Japanese Press comment, as is to be expected considering Japan is a party to the Axis, is hostile. One Japanese newspaper, referring to the Australians’ arrival, declared: •‘This shows that, instead of trying l() prevent war in the Pacific, the United States and the British have added fear to the crisis.”

Vlmiral Geoffrey Layton, Comman-der-in-Chief in the China Station, welcoming the troops, said: "The safe arrival of these strong reinforcements is yet another demonstration of the power given by the British command of Hie sea enabling us to station forces in the areas where they are most needed. It is also a clear indication of the growing strength of the Empire forces.”