PHILIPPINES SLAUGHTER

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 November 1944, Page 5

PHILIPPINES SLAUGHTER

JAPS. KILLED IN THOUSANDS

MacARTHUR’S TRIBUTE

(Rec. 11.39 a.m.) WASHINGTON, October 31. Major General Hodge, Commander of the 24th Corps on Leyte, estimates that 2000 Japanese trapped east of Dagami between the Seventh and 96th Divisions were killed on Sunday. Guerrillas also exhibited the sword of Major Namba, the most-hated Japanese, whom they killed, together with 50 others on Tadahanan Mountain. General MacArthur, in field order No. 1 issued, to-day, said: “Now that the initial phases have been successfully accomplished I wish to express admiration and gratitude to all commanders arid ranks for the determination, fortitude and courage displayed under a most difficult, dangerous and complex situation.” Genera] MacArthur praised the magnificent co-ordination of the Services, also the special tactical efficiency of the various branches. He said the skill with which the troops manoeuvred had not only outwitted the enemy but had resulted in a relatively low casualty rate, unsurpassed in the history of the war. General MacArthur specially paid a tribute to the Australian Squadron, which, he said, had conducted itself in. accordance with the highest tradition of the British Commonwealth of Nations. He declared that Admiral Kinkaid had shown himself to be one of the great naval leaders ol our day, and concluded: "I shan’t relax until Bataan and Corregidor once more rise to life. Almighty God has blessed our arms.”

COMPARATIVE CASUALTIES

RUGBY, October 31. Despite casualties estimated at 24,000, the Japanese on Leyte are still resisting desperately in isolated pockets in the south-west, and west ol the island, writes a Philippines correspondent. Indications are that they will make a last stand at Ormoc Bay, on the west coast. In their attempt to evacuate the troops from this area, there are indications that the Japanese are now attempting to bring in reinforcements at night from Cebu Island. Some appear to have run our blockade, smashing through to the coast. The Japanese casualties continue in the proportion of more than seven to one. Against their casualties, the American total is 3221, comprising 706 killed, 270 missing and 2245 wounded. Due principally to the activities ol the Lightning fighters, the Japanese air raids on Leyte have diminished.

LEYTE VALLEY ADVANCE

(Recd. 1.50 p.m.) , , WASHINGTON, October 31. American drive up the Leyte valley continued unchecked, says General MacArthur’s communique. In the Tenth Corps sector, units of the Twenty-fourth Division advancing towards Carigara from Jaro are now eight miles from the coast. Patrols m the Twenty-fourth Corps sector are probing westward along the mountain trails. Our forces ‘ behind the front lines are consolidating and establishing intermediate bases made necessary by the rapidity of our advance. Mopping up small scattered enemy parties of snipers progresses. Enemy units near Dagami were surrounded and destroyed, while the reduction of the remaining enemy positions on Tatmon Hill is nearing completion. Ineffective local counter-attacks and infiltration were encountered in the Seventh and Twenty-fourth Division sectors. The enemy continues efforts at reinforcement under cover of darkness from Cebu to Leyte. Carrierbased planes strafed destroyed or damaged twenty enemy barges at Ormoc on the west coast. Light naval units at night sank two luggersjn Ormoc Bav and two lighters m surigao Strait. Small-scale enemy air attacks continue. Eleven enemy planes were shot down.

MORE JAP SHIPS SUNK

(Rec. noon) , n . WASHINGTON, October 31. The Navy has announced that United States submarines in the Pacific and the Far East have sunk one destroyer, one large transport, three medium transports, 11 cargo vessels, one medium tanker and one small auxiliary. JAPANESE ADMISSIONS. (Rec. 11-4 new YORK, October 31. Tokio radio stated that the Japanese Cabinet met to consider food conditions, after the Food Ministry warned the hungry Japanese people not to put too much reliance on food imports. It pointed out that transportation difficulties prevent the usual im Tokio also reported that Premier Koiso addressing a mass rally urged a greater productive effort. He said that Japanese officers and men died for the nation because they did not ; receive sufficient material. He pointed out the withdrawal from Guadalcanal created a critical situation and ever since Japan has been placed in a passive position. “Despite the fact that the brilliant, dauntless fighting of incomparably powerful Imperial forces created fear in the hearts of the enemy, the situation become regrettably unfavourable for Japan. He declared there was no hope of a compromise peace. It was a life and death struggle. He warned there was not a single moment to be lost. Failure to achieve a decisive victory in the battle to come would mean outright loss of • Japan’s unique national policy and s total obliteration of her national existence. He reiterated the Tokio propaganda claims of naval successes in the ( Formosa and Philippines, but admitted that Japan did not 'win victory easily. He added: “We should not forget we lost several warships in addition to many which have not returned to their bases.” The Tokio radio has stated that. Manila’s metropolitan constabulary has been placed under the direct con- J trol of the city’s new military gover- : nor (Leon Guinto). Simultaneously, the constabulary is being reorganised to facilitate the enforcement of military law.

MINECRAFT COMMANDER

PEARL HARBOUR, Oct. 31.

Admiral Nimitz announced the appointment of Rear-AdmiraJ Alexander Sharp to a newly established post that of commander of the mine craft of the Pacific Fleet. Admiral Sharp previously commanded the Atlantic Fleet’s service force and .also directed various task forces.

JAPANESE “FOOD”

NEW YORK, October 30.

“Japanese food chemists have been decorated for inventing a new food concocted of a mould on rotting wood, plus sawdust and starch, which When fermented is seasoned with sunshine, says the Tokio radio. The produce is edible when mixed with flour to make noodles. Another invention mixes nitrogen with germs producing alburrien for bread baking. A third invention reduces the weight of foods needed by a soldier to one-tenth and volume to oneeighth. The radio added that persons who eat this for a week digest it so completely that there is no waste. They no longer complain of hunger.