DUTCH EAST INDIES.

Grey River Argus, 2 May 1942, Page 5

DUTCH EAST INDIES.

DR. V,AN MOOK’S REVIEW. [British Official Wireless], RUGBY, April 29. Dr., van Mook, in London, said that although a large part of the Indies was in the hands of the enemy, it was still possible with the men, "ships, and material which the Dutch had outside area' to carry on making a contribution to the war, and to stay in the line which is fighting the enemy. Fighting was still "going on in the western part of (Java, and there was also probably some fighting in the eastern part. Fighting was still going on in Timor.' which island was the nearest to Australia. There were facilities in Australia for broadcasting to these Dutch forces still opposing the enemy, but their radio in return was weak. He was not sure if fighting was continuing an Sumatra. Dr. van Mook spoke highly on the native populations, saying that their Press kept up an anti-Japanese attitude right up to the time when they must have known invasion was' inevitable. There was no organised fifth column activity. The destruction of the oil wells was prepared a long time before the Japanese attack. It had been estimated that to build new wells alone would take between four and six months, even if the work were not disturbed. He said he thought that the invasion of Java was carried out with between 150,000 and 180,000 men. The defenders numbered about 80,000 including militia of whom at last 70 per cent, were natives. They had bv then lost all their ships and most of their aircraft. Dr. van Mook estimated that 98 Japanese ships, other than warships, had been sunk 'from December to March. Between 'BO and 100 transports were dispersed tin the Battle of Macassar Strait. I * He found a great change in Australia during March, since it was now felt that the Japanese offensive had been—held up.