Dutch Condemn Allied Retirements; Must Fight Or Die

Northern Advocate, 19 February 1942, Page 2

Dutch Condemn Allied Retirements; Must Fight Or Die

LONDON, February 18

The Dutch forces are hitting back at the, Japanese occupying Palembang. Sumatra. Dutch aircraft have bombed an occupied aerodrome near Palembang, and in another raid a direct hit was made on an enemy transport. Two Japnese fighters were shot down. Dr. H. van Mook, Lieut.-Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, at a Press conference in Sydney with Australian and American journalists yesterday, said the policy of constant retirements to “retired positions,” could lead to the Allies losing the

The democracies, he added, must cease thinking in terms of defence. Rather they must search out the enemy and fight him. If Java fell, Jar,an would probably turn northwards against Russia and India, but Australia, he emphasised, could depend upon it that it would, be dealt luith later. Dr. van Mook assured the pressmen that the Netherlands East Indies would resist the Japanese to the last man, and would fight on even if the position seemed hopeless, and even if help did not come. They were accustomed to the possibility that they might have to fight alone. Chinese Urge Risks

The Chungking official radio states that, under cover of artillery fire, Japanese forces have launched a new attack at Ichang. On the western Suiyan front, Mongolia, Chinese units threw back the enemy’s main, force south-west of Paotow, and inflicted heavy losses. All the Japanese garrisons and defence works in that area were destroyed.

The Chinese spokesman said the United States had promised to send a large number of aircraft to China The need for reinforcements was so great that vigorous action must be taken, even if it meant risks, because in the South Pacific the Allies were now holding the last line of bases.