HONGKONG DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24147, 13 December 1941, Page 11

HONGKONG DEFENCE

BRITISH HOLD FIRM CHINESE FALL UPON ENEMY JOINT PLAN OF CAMPAIGN * LONDON, Dec. 12 There has been bitter fighting at Hongkong, but the British positions on the mainland have been maintained. Japanese forces yesterday brought up artillery and attacked Stone Cutters' Island, but the British forces effectively replied. British casualties have been very light. The position is being stabilised and the enemy's power is diminishing. The Chungking radio states that Chinese forces are attacking the Japanese north and north-west of Hongkong and Canton, and have already inflicted 15,000 casualties on the enemy. The Chinese are said to be attacking along the whole front. Large forces of Chinese troops under the direct command of Marshal Chiang Kai-shek are attacking the rear and flank of the Japanese forces. The

Chinese are moving up to positions in which they will be best able to assist the British forces. The plan of campaign is understood to have been approved by Marshal Chiang Kai-shek and high British officers. "Now is the ideal moment to give battle," said the Chinese leader, ad dressing his troops. "It is a crucial moment, whereon the fate of nations hangs." Chinese newspapers urge the utmost employment of Chinese force:: wherever they may be needed. Japan, they consider, has little chance of success. A Japanese attack on the Burma Road may be expected at an> time, states the Chungking radio. An agency message from Manila says it is understood that British, American and Chinese officers have conferred at length on the defence of this vital link with China. JAPANESE FEAR RAIDS LONDON. Dec. 12

The last British subjects to leave Japan stated on their arrival at Sineapore that the Japanese are very nervous about air-raids. The shelters in the large cities are inadequate, and work-ing-class people are going into the country. Food is short and rice is being rationed.

DAY AND NIGHT RAIDS ROYAL AIR FORCE ATTACKS (Reed. 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 11 British bombers raided targets in western Germany to-night. Objectives in Cologne were attacked. The docks at Le Havre and Brest were also bombed, and mines were laid in enemy waters. Three British 'planes are missing.

Aircraft of the Bomber Command were again in action in daylight today, says a British official wireless message. The targets attacked included the docks near Enulen. A tanker in the mouth of the River Ems and the railway ' junction near Wilhehnshaven were effectively bombed during daylight attacks on north-west Germany yesterday,. Two aerodromes in Holland were also bombed. Hudson aircraft of the Coastal Command yesterday hit an enemy supply ship off the Norwegian coast. None of our aircraft is missing from these operations. ENEMY OVER BRITAIN LONDON, Dec. 12 There was slight enemy air activity over Britain Inst night but no casualties were reported.