UNEASY LULL IN MALAYA’S WARFARE

Grey River Argus, 24 August 1948, Page 5

UNEASY LULL IN MALAYA’S WARFARE

British Forces Join in Operations (N.Z.P.A.—REUTER) ’ (Rec. 9.3 U). SINGAPORE, Aug. 23. An uneasy lull developed in Mali, aya's guerrilla war, in which sporadic clashes are reported throughout the country, but with no highlights British forces are intensifying their patrols as the police and military strength is being steadily built up. The First Battalion of the Inniskilling Fusiliers, which recently was transferred to Singapore from Hongkong, participated in its first operasweep jungles in East Johore in the tion yesterday, when it helped to biggest combined drive yet launched from Singapore. This comb-out was part of precautions that are aimed at preventing terrorists from infiltrating Singapore Island from the Federation. No contact was made with the enemy, but valuable information was gained. A Royal Air Force plane to-day attacked targets in hills ten miles southwest of Ipoh, and ground forces followed up the attack. Australian Munitions for Malaya (Rec. 11.40). CANBERRA, Aug. 23. Automatic weapons and ammunition sent to Malava from Australia at the request of the British Government had arrived there, said the Prime Minister, Mr Chifley to-night. Other types of weapons were now being technically examined and would also be sent to the extent that they are available and suitable. CHINESE NOW CONCENTRATING ON MALAYA BORDER SINGAPORE. Aug. 22. Chinese forces are believed to be concentrating in Siam, within five or ten miles of the Malayan border says the Straits Times. The newspaper adds that the frontier vilages are full of rumours that at least five groups of armed Chinese. of from 300 to 400 each, are hidden in the Siamese jungle. High Government and police officials in Khota Baru agreed that, if the reports are true, there was a serious threat to the northern border province of Kelantan. The Acting-High Commissioner of the Federation of Malaya, Sir Alec Newbolt, and the Commander-in-Chief in the Far East, General Sir Neil Ritchie, have held long conferences on the spot and it is believed that they are informed of the situation. Many Kelantan residents consider the frontier defences are inadequate. Within ten miles of the frontier are innumerable Chinese-owned rubber estates and gold mines.