MALAYA WAR

Grey River Argus, 20 December 1941, Page 5

MALAYA WAR

NEW BRITISH LINE Jap Infiltration Methods [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] SINGAPORE, December IS. The right flank of the British lino apparently now reaches as far as the jungle at the foot of the mountains, and the left flank to the mouth 01 the Erian River. Since they first crossed the border, the Japanese have been employing infiltration methods. Small bands, ranging l from five to 5u men, are sent forward very lightly equipped, each self-contained. The Japanese Command is evidently satisfied if the smallest proportion reaches the objective. There is no mam attack. The decision to reorganise the British line along the Krian River near Bandar Bahru, was evidently reached after consideration of the difficulties of holding the broad front from the coast to the highlands. PAUSE IN OPERATIONS SINGAPORE, Dec. 19. The past night has been comparatively quiet. The pause is due to the enemy readjusting his forces. Japanese Methods I SOLDIERS’ LIGHT EQUIPMENT SMALL TANKS AND SINGLE MORTARS. (Rec. 12.26). SINGAPORE. Dec. 18. All reports here emphasise the lightness of the Japanese soldiers’ quipment. Pilots who attacked the first Japanese landing parties at Kota Bharu, north-east Malaya, said the men seemed to have only uniforms, rifles, and ammunition. Subsequent ren.orts from troops who have encountered the Japanese state they are carrying the lightest of rations and arms. Their rifles fire a -05 nickel bullet. The Japanese are also using a new type of light mortar, which is most effective in the rubber jungle country. The heaviest item in the Japanese arms are their light tank, and also a type of two-man machinegun carrier. The invaders are employing camouflage effectively by day, and . are emerging from their hiding by night.

MR. DUFF COOPER.

LONDON, December 19.

Mr. Duff Cooper, has been appointed Resident British Minister at Singapore, with Cabinet rank, to preside •over a council dealing with Far Eastern affairs, thus relieving the military authorities-

Defence of India

GEN. WAVELL’S COMMENT.

NEW DELHI, December 8. , “I expect a hard year in 1942 against the Axis, which is still formidable, but we ought to finish off Ih<? Axis in fairly good time,” said General Wavell. “Japan, through treachery, gained the initial advantages, hut I am confident that these will be wiped out. There is no cause for great alarm in India.” RUGBY, December IS.

Mr. Amery, replying to a Common 1 ; question, concerning India and the developments in the Eastern situation, said that Members no doubt would have set the moving and earnest appeal for unity and co-operation made by the Vicerov to the people of India. He could only add that this speccn had his .wholehearted support. BURMA'S DEFENCE. RANGOON, December 18 Another bis convoy of fully equip ped Indian troops has arrived. New Guinea Attacked BY JAPANESE BOMBERS. LONDON, December 18. Japanese bombers made their first attack on New Guinea, when they attempted to bomb Sorons. They were driven .off by Netherlands Indies naval olanes. The bombs missed the mark. An Australian Air Board communique, reported from Melbourne, states enemy aircraft carried out a _ reconnaissance flight over the Bismarck Archipelago. new guinea landing ATTEMPT? LONDON. December 18. The Shanghai radio broadcast a message from Batavia stating that the Japanese to-dav made a first landing attempt on New Guinea. ATTACK ON DUTCH NEW GUINEA. (Rec. 12.40). CANBERRA. Dec. 19. The Federal Government has received no official advice of any attempt by the Japanese to land in New Guinea. The report of the attempt comes from the Dutch East Indies. It thus apparently refers to Dutch New Guineas, .over which Japanese planes were sighted last week. JAP MERCHANT RAIDERS. (Rec. 2.30) CAIRO, Dec. 19. An American skipper who made a record war-time voyage from an American port to Egypt with supplies for the Middle East Armies, said, in an interview: “Japan has organised her merchant navy for war. All of her new freighters have gun emplacement'j;, which they have not 'attempted to conceal. They also have sealed bulkheads, in which there is all the equipment necessary to convert merchantmen into armed raiders.