FLANKING MANOEUVRE

Evening Star, Issue 24082, 31 December 1941, Page 7

FLANKING MANOEUVRE

PROBABLE JAPANESE STRATEGY (Rec. 11.3 a.m.) MANILA, Roc. 30. The military authorities are of the opinion that the Japanese attack on Gorregidor is the prelude to an attempt to send warships into Manila Bay with a view of outflanking the United States troops holding the Luzon front, 85 miles north and miles south-east of Manila. STUBBORN RESISTANCE CONSTANT FIGHTING AGAINST HEAVY ODDS WASHINGTON, Dec. 29. The following United States War Department communique was issued at Washington to-day: — “ In the Philippine theatre the commanding general of the United States forces in the Far East has consolidated the majority of his troops in the Pampanga province, and has shortened his lines. In the last few days the enemy has been heavily reinforced by several infantry divisions, tank regiments, and horse cavalry. Japanese units are composed of veteran soldiers with modern equipment. . “ American and Philippine troops, in spite of constant fighting against heavyodds, are in high spirits and are offering stubborn resistance. The losses have been heavy on both sides. Enemy air activity continues heavy, with repeated bombing ot Manila in violation of the declaration that it is an open city. There is nothing to report from the other areas.” There are still many fires in Manila following yesterday’s air raids on the city. The alarm sounded to-day, hut no bombs were dropped. The Japanese, however, raided Corregidor Island for two hours to-day. It is disclosed that during yesterday’s air raid 1,500 prisoners, mostly “ fifth columnists,” attempted to break out of the Muntinlup Penitentiary while Manila was in flames. The guards and police, with rifles, fought and defeated the prisoners, and killed and wounded several. The Manila correspondent of the United Press says that German and Italian citizens interned after the outbreak of war have been released, but the Japanese are still interned. The Japanese Imperial High Command, in a statement, said: “ Japan has not received an official request to consider Manila an open city-; hence we will bomb Manila as long as it is necessary for military purposes.” President Quezon has cancelled the opening of tho Philippines Congress, set down for December 30. RETALIATION URGEf BOMBING OF MANILA WASHINGTON, (Rec. 11.3 a.m.) Dec. 30. General MacArtbur has urged that retaliatory measures be taken against Japan for the bombings of Manila, which ” completely violated all civilised processes of international law.”