BROUGHT BACK BY RAIDERS

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 172, 17 April 1942, Page 5

BROUGHT BACK BY RAIDERS

High American Officers (British Official Wireless.) (Received April 16, 11.50 p.m.) RUGBY, April 16. General MacArthur’s headquarters have announced that the American planes which successfully raided the Philippines brought back to Australia high and experienced officers of the United States Army Air Corps, a Chinese liaison officer, officers of the Philippine Army Air Force and two journalists. The Australian Air Minister, Mr. Drakeford, commenting on the raid, said: “The devastating raids by the Americans against the enemy bases indicate what can be expected from the gallant aid of America. This is an heroic performance. “The Allied land forces in Australia look to wholehearted co-operation between the American and Australian Air Forces in driving back any enemy attempting to set foot on Australian territory.” The Australian Minister of Supply, Mr. Beasley, said: "This attack is the first drive into the heart of the military system which the Japanese are trying to establish in the Pacilie. In time it will be followed by vast air forces, and General Royce and his gallant American comrades have shown in one daring and spectacular feat how Australia can be used as a base from which Japanese aggression can be overthrown.”