STRIKING BACK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20635, 10 December 1941, Page 7

STRIKING BACK

DEFENCE BLOWS AIR AND SEA UNITS BASES OF PACIFIC (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 9, 2.50 p.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 8. A National Broadcasting Company broadcast from Manila states that Japanese parachute troops landed on the Philippines. An A.B.C.D. fleet under American command appears to have been successful against the air and sea invasions. The Japanese bombed Clark Field, the largest aimy air base in the Philippines. Japanese planes also bombed Nauru and Ocean Island.

At Manila the Japanese bombardment was made from the air. Points attacked include Fort William McKinley, the Nicholas airfield and also two radio stations. Despite a terrific curtain of American antiaircraft fire the attack was carried out with fiendish accuracy. A great fire was started when a gasoline dump was hit near the army airport on the edge of the city. The announcer broadcasting in the midst of an air attack, said terrific damage was done.

The army spokesman at Manila said the Japanese planes attacked Davao twice during the day. The National Broadcasting Company radio station at Manila says further that the Japanese are bombarding the town. According to the Manila correspondent of the United Press of America approximately 200 persons, of whom 60 were Americans, were killed to-day in a Japanese air raid on Iba, on-the west coast of Luzon. Many Lives Lost

A Manila correspondent says that the Japanase bombed military bases and ports throughout the Philippines to-day. including the big port of Stotensburg, Parkfield, Baguio, Davao, Aparri and the Batan Island group. A further Manila message says that 200 persons were killed at the Parkfield air base. The Pan-American Airways base at Guam and the Pacific Cable Company’s office were heavily strafed. Planes came down almost to ground level. A Japanese aircraft carrier was sunk off Honolulu, according to a Panama radio message picked up by the National Broadcasting Company. A Honolulu message stated that the United States fleet struck back with the thunder of big naval guns when waves of Japanese bombers assailed Hawaii. Parachutists appeared oft the harbour. The sound of heavy gunfire was heard off the Island of Oahu and gunflashes were seen. It is believed that most of the Japanese bombers operated from an aircraft carrier.

Honolulu residents gathered on the hilltops to watch the attack. Apparently there was no panic, although the population was caught entirely unawares and the first detonations were believed to be merely army or navy target practice. A Panama City message states that the entire canal zone is on a war basis. Dozens of fighter planes were patrolling over the isthmus throughout the night, while a huge area was blacked-out.

A Balboa message states that a black-out in the Panama Canal zone has been ordered. Two raids on the Philippines yesterday by high-flying Japanese bombers caused at least casualties. The Japanese plane losses are reported to be high. The raiders dropped leaflets promising “liberation” for the Filipinos.

It is officially announced in Washington that several Japanese submarines and planes were destroyed yesterday. Active resistance is still continuing in the vicinity of Hawaii. The commander of the United States Asiatic Fleet, Admiral Hart, announced that a small contingent of American marines in Pekin and the gunboat Wake at Shanghai were forced to surrender.