FAR EAST

Grey River Argus, 7 December 1940, Page 5

FAR EAST

BRITISH STRATEGY I Singapore Reinforcements [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, December 5. “The Times” Singapore correspondent says: Sir H. Brooke Popham expects to visit Australia and New Zealand. This and other interesting facts were revealed in an interview in which Sir H. Popham recalled a luncheon with Mr Churchill, at which he, Sir John Dill, and Sir Cyril Newall were present, before his departure from London.

“Mr Churchill is extremely wellinformed on all aspects of the situation in the Far East. He told me that we will hold Singapore, no matter what happens. He said that I could rest assured there would be a continuous and steady flow of men and munitions to the countries under my command. No effort will be spared to make Singapore Malaya and all other British countries as strong and well defended as is humanly possible. I feel sure that Britain will continue to grow in strength in the Far East. We may expect reinforcements of men and materials —a stronger Army and a bigger Air Force. A lot has already been done in this direction, recently, and the trend will continue. It is an inspiring thought that the Home Country can still afford to strengthen the Empire’s outlying defences at a moment when she is fighting for her very existence.”