WORLD WATCHING

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24195, 10 February 1942, Page 5

WORLD WATCHING

"CITADEL OF SPIRIT" -TEST FOR THE BRITISH ; - i t ■, SINGAPORE A SYMBOL (Reed. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 8 The intensity with which the eyes of the world are directed on Singapore is reflected in comment in the press, says the British official wireless. It is stated that nothing but sheer fighting power and working power will bring the Allies through the Axis onslaughts th's year. Mr. J. L. Garvin, in the Observer, links this fact closely with the Far Eastern struggle. He says:— "Singapore under siege is not only a fortress for material purposes but a citadel of the spirit. It is a symbol for the whole of the Empire and for the whole alliance of United Nations. It is watched by all the world, and especially by all in Asia, as a test of British character against the Japanese. ''A3 reinforcements of all kinds arrive from Britain and the United States everj week during the difficult months to come, they will reduce the Japanese advantage and nourish the offensive enterprise of the Allies. "General MacAj-thur in his improvised stronghold in the Philippines is still making his own heroic fight for time, and every moment of it has been worth while. Far and wide the admirable Dutch are defending every attacked point with historic stubbornness and doing their utmost to destroy what they cannot save. It is for Singapore to set the toughest example of all by a defence that will be for ever held in renown." FIGHT FOR TIME DEFENCE OF EAST INDIES SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 9 "We will fight for every foot of territory in Java," said the Lieutenant-Gov-ernor-General of the Netherlands East Indies, Dr. Van Mook, in San Francisco upon nis arrival from Washington. Referring to the discussions with the United States Government, Dr. Van Mook said there was complete understanding between the United States and the Netherlands East Indies on immediate war problems in the Pacific. "We knew it would be impossible with our comparatively small forces to hold all the islands in the archipelago, so we have fought for time," Dr. Van Mook added. "Everywhere we have defended each point to the limit, and then we have destroyed everything of value to the enemy before withdrawing." RUMOUR DENIED ARMY RULE IN RANGOON FLOW OF REINFORCEMENTS (Reed. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 8 In a message to the people of Burma, the Governor, Sir Reginald DorinanSmith, said: "One fact is clear beyond doubt: it is our intention resolutely to hold Rangoon. We intend with the men and material which continue to flow to us, to attack the enemy wherever we find him." The Governor said there was no truth in the rumour that Rangoon would be taken over by the military authorities. The civil administration would be continued. Up to now they had been on the defensive and had been compelled to concede territory, said Sir Reginald, but the.v were receiving reinforcments from India and China. He added that there was no immediate threat to Rangoon from the Sal ween front, where a mag-, nificent defence was being put up by the British force, but Rangoon was vulnerable from the air.