Naval Manoeuvres in Dutch East Indies

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 180, 2 August 1938, Page 8

Naval Manoeuvres in Dutch East Indies

DECISION TO CHANGE VENUE SYDNEY, July 22. It is learned from Batavia that the Netherlands East Indian Navy will hold extensive manoeuvres in the Indian Ocean, south of Java, toward the Australian coast in September and October, instead of in the northern seas of the East Indian Archipelago as formerly. The decision to change the venue of the manoeuvres is due to anxiety to avoid undesirable attention from Japanese fishermen. Every kind of warship, including submarines, will take part as if the navy were fighting an actual enemy. The laying down of mine fields and the building of wireless stations and air bases is proceeding in the northern seas. Defence officials at Batavia are said to be delighted at reports that all British Air Force aeroplanes in the Far East, including those at Singapore, will be replaced by modern Short Sunderland “flying battleships." They state that any improvements in the defences of the region are welcome.