FORTS SHELLED

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

FORTS SHELLED

PHILIPPINES FRONT JAPANESE PRESSURE CONCEALED BATTERIES (Reed. 12.10 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 9 Increased enemy pressure on the Batan Peninsula, in the Philippines, is reported from Washington. A United States War Department communique states: "The bombardment of our fortifications at the entrance to Manila Bay by concealed enemy batteries on the Cavite shore was resumed. The fire was concentrated on Fort Mills, Fort Hughes and Fort Frank for two hours. Projectiles were fired at four-minute intervals. No serious damage was done. "On the Batan Peninsula the enemy made an infiltration thrust on our right, but a sharp counter-attack repulsed this attack. The fighting is increasing in intensity on our left. Aerial bombing by the enemy of our positions at Batan was heavy throughout the past 24 hours." A message from Canberra says the Australian Minister of the Army, Mr. F. M. Forde, to-day broadcast by shortwave a message to General Mac Arthur, commander of the American forces in the Philippines. "My Government," he said, "is proud of your superb courage and skill, and all Australia prays for your army's triumph. "We send you the most heartfelt congratulations. Wo understand and share the democratic spirit in which you fight. Our fighting men look forward to the honour of joining forces with, the men of the American fighting forces in other theatres of war. We shall do our best to show that we are worthy of the example your men have set.", SOURABAYA RAIDED DAMAGE AT NAVAL BASE RECONNAISSANCE AT BATAVIA LONDON, Feb. 8 Japanese aircraft made their fourth raid on the Netherlands East Indies naval base at Sourabaya, on the island of Java, on Saturday. Bombs were dropped, causing slight damage in the naval and dock areas. Japanese aeroplanes made a reconnaissance flight on Sunday oyer Batavia and machine-gunned tea pickers near Bandoeng. They also bombed Palembang, destroying some aeroplanes on the ground. The Japanese heavily bombed Muntok, on Banka Island, off Sumatra, killing 10 and wounding 36. During an attack by Japanese fighters on a small place in New Guinea, one civilian was seriously injured and one slightly injured by machine-gun fire. Slight reconnaissance activity took place over Northern Sumatra. The Tokio official radio says the Domei news agency reports that the Japanese have captured Tanadgrogot, 60 miles south-west of Balik Papan, also that a force operating on the. east coast of British Borneo captured Lahaddatu, 60 miles north-east of Tawao; There are reported to be indications of a large-scale enemy assault on Java, probably in the near future. FIRM ACTION URGED JAPANESE IN AMERICA REPORT FOR CONGRESS (Reed. 6.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, F§b. S The Associated Press states that the House of Representatives Committee on Un-American Activities has prepared a report alleging that the United States is still lax toward Japanese who have violated American hospitality. , "Shinto temples still operate, propaganda outlets still disseminate propaganda, and Japanese, both alien and American citizens, still spy for Japan, particularly on the Pacific Coast," says the agency. It adds that the Japanese have taken advantage of "protection of civil rights" to promote systematic espionage such as prepared the way for the attack on Pearl Harbour. It is stated that the report re'eommends that all Japanese in the Pacific Coast States should be removed at least 500 miles inland and interned. GREETING TO KING PRISONERS IN GERMANY LONDON, Feb. 8 The King has received a Christmas card from all the prisoners of war at Stalag VIIIB. The card, which was endorsed with the "loyal devotion from all ranks," was signed by R.S.M. Sidney Sheriff, camp leader, and was sent through the International Red Cross, Geneva, to the War Office for transmission to the King. His Majesty sent an acknowledgment through the same channels, expressing his warm thanks and wishing all the senders the best of luck in 1942. ORDEALS FOR JAPAN LONDON, Feb. 9 The Japanese people have been warned by the Japanese Minister of Commerce and Industry, Kishi, that the war has only just bfjjjun. The Japanese, he said, must be prepared to meet greater difficulties before the war is over.