JAPAN DEFIED

Grey River Argus, 3 June 1942, Page 5

JAPAN DEFIED

TO LAND LARGE FORCES

By Australian Premier

(Rec. 12.26), MELBOURNE, June 2. “I do not think that I read the strategical situation wrongly when I draw attention to the faqt that the '.Japanese war programme of constant expansion has, at last, suffered a stalemate. The initiative is not so decisively where it was.” The above declaration was made bv Mr. J. .Curtin, Prime Minister, at the opening of the Liberty Loan of thirty-five million to-day here. “This land is to-day still the land of Australians,said Mr. Curtin, i “The thrusts which ■ the enemy has made at our soil has been repulsed. He sought to come'here with the immense naval strength to establish a spearhead; and, with the aid of our gallant Allies across the Pacific, the enemy has found that his most southerly venture one which it is beyond his capacity to execute according to his own plans. ' “The ’forces of resistance to Japan are stronger than they were, and the i organisation of the AHied Nations is i much more concentrated that it was “The further problem of bringing together, at one point, of crucial responsibility, the resources of . a great number of countries, widely separated geographically, has been steadily .grappled with, and has, at last, been overcome. Our enem v is being desperately driven. Not . one of the major objectives of the enemy has been realised —or is capable of realisation. “With all the sobriety of ' mind wherewith I have studied to face the problems of this country, and the problems of the war/ I speak with a spirit of confidence, born of knowledge of how the war is proceeding. “I defy the enemy to land large forces in Australia, but I do it only because we have built up our forces b v depriving the ordinary productive needs of this country of the manpower that would normally go to them, and by diverting this manpower purely to war jneeds. The enemy is not. so sure, yet.'which particular target would give the best results. He has shown some uncertainty and hesitation.

“Meanwhile, time is with us. Not an hour must be .lost in our factories or workshops; or in the training of our' troops, or at our wharves where shins are beinp' turned round. Nobody must be idle. No matter what Australians have been asked for, thev have not been asked realiv tq suffer. I have no doubt you will give this thirtv-flve millions. Then, in three months’ time, I will be back for another dose!” (Rec. 1.25.) SYDNEY, June 2. Foliowine the raid on Sydney harbour. Mr Curtin, on Mondav, had a four hours’ conference with General MacArthur. To-day the Prime Minister is conferring with General Blame” Vice-Admiral Sir Guy Poval, A ? r Marshal Jones. atvl the Chiefs of the Australian land, sea and air forces. At Monday’s conference the implications of the ill-starred enemy submarine raid are reported to have been considered in relation to broad strategic, plans —’tally affecting the war in the Pacific.

Australian Reaction

“VICTORY AND WARNING”.

ENEMY’S MAJOR DRIVE.

INDICATED.

(Special). (Rec. 11.45.) SYDNEY, June 2. Special reticence, undoubtedly for security reasons, to make public tho full story of the attempted raid on Sydnev harbour by Japanese midget submarines obscures many dramatic details of Japan’s first war blow at southern areas. In Australia the raid has caused two reactions. The first is of gratification that the losses have been so comparatively light—though t the issue of the casualty list from .a sunken harbour vessel has had a sobering effect on public elation. Second is a general keen realisation of the need for ceaseless vigilance against all forms of enemy attack on the mainland of the Commonwealth. The speed with which Sydney harbour defences came into action has received high praise. The raider which is believed to have torpedoed the harbour vessel, formerly a ferry-boat, recently used as accommodation quarters by naval ratings, was sunk by gunfire. Depth charges accounted for the remaining submarines. “A victory and a warning,” is how the “Daily Telegraph” describes the Sydney harbour action. All papers- stress the likelihood of similar submarine raid attempts—or of fresh enenm action in a new form.

“The warnings of the defence authorities during the past week of possible enemy action off our eastern coast have now received practical confirmation from the Japanese,” says the “Sydney Morning Herald.” “The risks under which Australians live belong no more to the realm of theory, nor can the official warning be regarded merely •as disciplinary exhortations, for the enemy has come in person to announce them in unmistakeable form.”

The strength of the Japanese purpose as demonstrated by tne employment of these suicide craft is is also stressed. “Fighting an audacious and enterprising foe” says the “Daily Telegraph” he boldly exploits the elements of surprise and does not count the cost. He takes tremendous risks. Sunday night’s exploit was not a caprice or a little side issue. It should be interpreted as the first move in a major drive.”