DARK MOMENT

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 40, 17 February 1942, Page 5

DARK MOMENT

LOSS OF SINGAPORE

SUMATRA EXPECTED TO FOLLOW

(By Telegraph—Press _^sociation—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, February 16. In the considered judgment of responsible officials here, the fall, of Singapore marks the darkest moment of the war for the United Nations.; It is generally conceded that Sumatra must fall, cutting off the United Nations from the main supply Qf petroleum in the south-west Pacific and likewise allowing the Japanese a .free passage iiito the Indian Ocean, from which they caifl raid the Allied supply line, to China, Suez, and the Persian Gulf. If Java falls it is conceded not only that the Allies would have difficulty iri regaining a foothold in Malaya, but also that they may hot be able to supply arid build up the force they have started in Australia. There is ho tendency to condemn Mr. Churchill, though it is realised that his predictions about the fate of Singapore were far more optimistic than the facts justified. It is generally felt to be useless to cast stones at Mr. Churchill unless there is som.orie to take his place, and thus it is felt that there should be concentration on the United States' shortcomings, which are admittedly considerable.