SINGAPORE OCCUPATION

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 59, 7 September 1945, Page 8

SINGAPORE OCCUPATION

CHINESE EXCITEMENT

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) Rec. 1 p.m. SINGAPORE, Sept. 6. The Australian Associated Press correspondent reports: "The occupation of Singapore Island is being completed without fuss. The Japanese, except those on guard duty, are quietly retiring, moving handcarts and lorries piled high with belongings in the ■ direction of the mainland. It is an uncanny feeling to pass squads of armed Japanese who either stare straight ahead or respectfully salute. The excitement of the Chinese at the return of British forces is still the most striking feature of our return. Freed from persecutions, their pentup feelings find expression in wild cheering wherever the British appear in the streets."

The occupation of Singapore means orders to the value of at least £5,000.----000 for British firms. The Colonial Office has already offered contracts worth over £3,000,000. The chief engineer of the Singapore municipality stated that he has placed a £1,000.000 order for water supply machinery. There are also plans for London to supply prefabricated houses. The Japanese who have surrendered at Singapore include 85 generals, an unknown number of admirals, and 85.000 troops.

The Allied military authorities have established the death penalty for looting after a number of incidents had been suppressed by Japanese and Allied military police. The British are searching all Japanese trucks and baggage for loot before leaving the island.