British Forces In Singapore After Absence Of Over 3 Years

Northern Advocate, 6 September 1945, Page 5

British Forces In Singapore After Absence Of Over 3 Years

(Received 11 a.m.) SINGAPORE, September 5. BRITISH FORCES RE-OCCUPIED SINGAPORE ISLAND TODAY AFTER THREE AND A-HALF YEARS OF JAPANESE OCCUPATION. Agreement for the occupation was signed yesterday afternoon aboard the cruiser Sussex, Rear-Admiral Holland’s flagship anchored off Singapore. One sth Indian Division which has fought the Axis Powers in three theatres of war, began the landings at dawn today. The Australian Associated Press correspondent says the present objective is the immediate occupation of five strategical areas on Singapore Island. Meanwhile, .all of the 60,000. Japanese troops, except those needed for garrison duties and guarding installations, are moving across the causeway into a position immediately north of Johore Strait. The Japanese commander reported that, there were 32,000 prisoners of war and 4500 internees on the island, including 6700 British and 5500 Australians. The correspondent adds that all Japanese warships in the harbour are being taken over and breech blocks of guns removed. Information was imparted at the Rangoon conference that General Itagaki, commander of the 7th Army Group, failingspecific orders from Tokio, might resist re-occupation. Since the surrender was signed he issued orders to his troops to comply with all our requirements. Despite this arrangement, all possible contact is being avoided with Japanese soldiers.

Under Leaden Skies. The convoy crept into the harbour under leaden skies and teeming rain. Indian troops entered the streets, which were practically deserted apart from groups of natives, mostly children, who gathered at the w'aterfront as a welcome party. A Japanese major-general, Shimura, who was acting for Itagaki, met the first troops. Japanese guards were posted at regular intervals along the streets. Singapore, from a first quick survey, is in immeasurably better condition than Rangoon, though there are signs of neglect in the streets. All water, light and electricity services are working. The Japanese made few demolitions and left aircraft on the airfields, but there are obvious signs of hastily-prepared fixed defences. The Japanese army and navy commanders, Itagaki and Fukodome, wept during the eight-hour discussion aboard the cruiser Sussex before signing the agreement whereby the British occupy Singapore. Rear-Admiral C. S. Holland and Lieutenant-General Sir Philip Christison signed for the Allies. The Japanese recovered their composure when the time came for signing the document. A complication was threatened when it was learned that the Japanese had not a seal. An interpreter explained that senior Japanese authorities did not add a seal to their names, but wrote a special sign at the end. The Japanese were generally co-operative, despite the prolonged discussion.