We Have Had Plenty Of Warning—Air Chief

Northern Advocate, 9 December 1941, Page 6

We Have Had Plenty Of Warning—Air Chief

SINGAPORE, December 8.

The Commander-in-Chief, Far East, (Air Chief-Marshal Sir Robert BrookePopham), in an order of the day, said: “Japan’s action today gives a signal for the Empire army, naval and air forces with our Allies, to go into action with a common aim and ideals. We have had plenty of warning. Preparations have been made and tested.

“We will not forget at this moment the years of patience and forbearance in which we have borne with dignity and discipline the petty insults and insolences inflicted upon us by the Japanese. “We know those things were done only because Japan thought she could take advantage of our supposed weakness. Now, when Japan herself has decided to put the matter to a sterner test, she will find she has made a grievous mistake. Weakened Adversary

“What of the enemy? We see before us a Japan drained for years past by the claims of her wanton onslaught on China. We see Japanese trade and industry so dislocated by years of reckless adventure that in a mood of desperation her Government plunges her into war under the delusion that by stabbing a friendly nation in the back she can gain her ends.

“We here in the Far East form part of the great campaign for the preservation of truth, justice and freedom. Confidence, resolution, enterprise and devotion to the cause must, and will, inspire every one of us to present a bold front to the enemy and place our faith in final victory.”