Meddle In Malaya

Northern Advocate, 19 February 1942, Page 3

Meddle In Malaya

NEW YORK, February 13

American refugees who arrived here today related shocking stories of the neglect which they allege resulted in the loss of the Malay Peninsula.

All agreed that air protection was absolutely lacking and asserted that exaggerated self-confidence was substituted for forethought. Preparations were simply not made. Mr Elliot Simpson, secretary of the Rothschild Company, a crude rubber exporter, said: “I am going to Washington to lay the whole picture as 1 saw it before the State Department. “My chief complaint will be about how the British ordered the evacuation of British women and children from Penang city without notifying 40 American residents, Indians, or Chinese. “They would have left us behind; it was just an accident that we learned in time. “If the British lose the war it will be because of pure and unbelievable carelessness.” Mr Simpson said that there were only about 500 troops in Penang, and not one anti-aircraft gun. There were no guns of any kind. Camouflage was not attempted. The red-roofed houses stood out like beacons. Even the American Consul was not notified about the evacuation.

Mr Simpson contended that Penang was the key to Singapore. If it had been fortified all might have been saved. Moreover, 7000 tons of rubber and 5000 tons of tin were left on the piers.