DUTCH FORCES

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1942, Page 5

DUTCH FORCES

How Strong were They?

WELLINGTON, March 13.

According to a cabled message from London, the correspondent of the “International News," in a message from Australia, said that the Dutch in Java had only four divisions, totalling 48,000 troops, 75 per cent, of which were natives, and that the Dutch Air Force consisted of only 70 fighters. The Netherlands Consulate in Wellington points out that it is not clear to which state of the fighting these figures refer, but the impression is conveyed that they apply to the strength of the forces when the Dutch declared war on Japan, in which case they would be a gross under-estimate. It was revealed by the Netherlands Government in London on January 26, that the Dutch forces in the East Indies included between 500 and 1,000 Ame-rican-built planes, an army of 125,000, of whom it was estimated that at least 60 per’cent, were Europeans, and also five cruisers, eight destroyers, eight motor torpedo-boats, 20 submarines, and many smaller craft. The Consulate also points out that, in considering the course of events, in Java, it should be remembered that, through their assistance to Malaya, Sarawak, and in some degree to the Philippines, the fighting in the Indies and air attacks on Java preceding the invasion, the ; Dutch, while inflicting very great damage on the enemy, themselves suffered considerable losses, which were not replaced. FIGHTING IN SUMATRA CANBERRA. March 12. Dutch troops are carrying on a fight against the Japanese in Central and Northern Sumatra, and their morale Is excellent. This message has been received by Dr Van Mook (De-puty-Governor of the Netherlands East Indies). _