COMING VISIT

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1940, Page 5

COMING VISIT

OF AIR CHIEF

REFERENCES TO SINGAPORE.

(United Press Association Per Electric Telegraph - Copyright)

(Received this day at 10.50 a.m.) LONDON, December 5.

The. “Times’’ Singapore correspondent says Air Chief Marshal Sir Henry Brooke Popliam expects to visit Australia and New Zealand. This and other interesting facts were revealed in, an interview in which Air Chief Marshal Brooke-Popham recalled a luncheon with Mr Churchill, at which he, General Dill, and Sir Cyril Newall were present before his departure from London. “Mr Churchill is extremely well informed on all aspects of the situation, in the Far East. He told me we will hold Singapore no matter what happens. He said I could rest assured there would be a continuous and steady flow of men and munitions to countries under my command. No effort would be spared to make Singapore, Malay, and all other British countries as strong and. weli-defended as was humanly possible; I feel sure Britain will continue;'to; grow in strength ,in the Far East. We may expect reinforcements of men and material—a stronger army and bigger air force. A lot has already been done. in this direction recently. The tr,end will continue. It is an inspiring ,thought that the Home Country can still afford to strengthen the Empire’s outlying defences, at a moment when she is fighting for her very existence,”