JAPANESE TROOP MOVEMENTS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 47, 19 November 1941, Page 7

JAPANESE TROOP MOVEMENTS

Purge In Indo-China

LONDON, November 17.

Japanese troop transports and supply ships are arriving daily both at Hanoi and Saigon, reports the Associated Press bureau at Shanghai. Informed quarters believe that some major development will occur before the end of -November.

Bangkok radio announced that the Government had ordered provincial Governors to call up reservists between 18 and 45 years of age. The greatest significance is attached in Singapore to a broadcast from Saigon by Admiral Decoux, GovernorGeneral of Indo-China. announcing a complete purge in administrative circles of elements which maintained a lukewarm attitude toward the new order in Indo-China.

This action indicates a complete change to totalitarianism and a final surrender to Japan. Admiral Decoux announced the. dismissal of 150 French and 150 local officials and added: “There are other officials who are giving a bad example. They will need watching. I am appointing a Federal Council, the members of which I am choosing myself. They will replace the present elective system.” Admiral Decoux also announced the appointment of a Department of Youth which would lay down rules for the guidance of the young. The reference to the officials means not only administrative officers but elected members of the Government Council. Observers believe the purge to be most important because it means the disappearance of the last shred of resistance to Japanese inlliltration.