THROWING ALL IN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20678, 31 January 1942, Page 5

THROWING ALL IN

JAPS. IN INDIES MUST WIN QUICKLY DUTCH DELAYING ACTION (Elec. Tel. CopyriKht—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Jan. 31, 11.20 a.m.) BATAVIA, Jan. 30. Military circles are of the opinion that the Japanese are now throwing the utmost of their available strength mustered over a period of years against the Netherlands East Indies, knowing that they must decisively win very soon or lose everything, says the special correspondent of the United Press at the headquarters of General Sir Archibald Wavell, Supreme Commander in the Sduth-West Pacific. The present Allied strategy in the Netherlands East Indies is to hold and delay the enemy with a view to an all-out counter-attack on a big scale as soon as considerable Allied forces can be rallied.

The Dutch High Command says that Netherland troops, strengthened by guerrillas, are fiercely resisting Japanese on four fronts. Fighting continues in the Kendari region and also in the Minehassa area and Balik Papan, Borneo, with the Dutch still holding Balik Papan. Jap. Air Scouting

A communique issued by the Netherlands East Indies Headquarters in Java states: “Enemy air activity, especially reconnaissance activity, continues over several parts of the Archipelago. Here and there bombs were dropped which caused slight damage to material, but no persons were killed.

"Reports from the vicinity of Balik Papan, Borneo, show that the fighting there continues not only near Balik Papan, but also in the town itself. The Japanese steal all foodstuffs on which they can lay hands, while cooking utensils and bicycles are also stolen. The Japanese have issued worthless bank notes on which words are printed that the Japanese Government will reimburse to bearer certain amounts such as half a guilder and a guilder. “Manahassa reports have been received from which it can be concluded that our guerrillas are still regularly operating. Particulars about losses are not yet available. There are no further reports from Pontianak and Kendari.