HEROIC DEFENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24201, 17 February 1942, Page 5

HEROIC DEFENCE

JAPANESE TRIBUTE n I.' . SHELL-SCARRED ISLAND SCENES OF DESOLATION , LONDON, Feb. 16 The fail of Singapore is being celebrated in .Japan to-day with reservations. A Japanese spokesman warned his people that Singapore was only one phase of the East Asia •war. "The war has still a long way to go," he added. In admitting the heroism of the defenders of the island he said: "They remained faithfiil to military traditions beyond the limit of human endurance." Describing the last phase of the Singapore battle, the Tokio radio said the blue sky was visible over Singapore for 1 the first time for a week after thehuge oil tanks had burned out, but tropical foliage and the landscape were .still, black with the soot which had settled, down. Huge shell and bomb cra.ters how dotted the island, and shattered and .dwarfed stumps were the only remnants of flourishing orchards and plantations. This commentator said the Japanese struck decisive blows only on Saturday, when they occupied the water reservoirs and the Paya Lebar radio station, where the British defenders fiercely and desperately fought until the last moment.

Japanese headquarters claim that 32 'Allied warships and transports were sunk or damaged south of Singapore last week.

A report from Tokio is published in Berlin claiming that the Japanese have completely occupied the island fortress of Blakangmati, to the south of Singapore.

NAVAL COMMANDS SOUTH-WEST PACIFIC BATAVIA. Feb.- 16 Under the new Allied naval arrangement in " the South-west Pacific the Dutch Commander, Admiral Helfrich, commands all naval forces in the ABDA area, Commodore J. A. Collins, formerly H.M.A.S. Sydney, commands the British and Australian forces, and Admiral Glassford commands the United States forces. Both are directly tinder the control of Admiral Helfrich, who in turn operates under General- Sir Archibald Wavell. It is understood that neither Commodore Collins nor Admiral's Glassford's posts are sea-going ones. Vice-Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton, Commander-in-Chief of the China Station since 1940, has an independent command, operating directly on orders from the British Admiralty. Hia force will co-operate with those of Admiral Helfrich.

RAIDS BY AUSTRALIANS KBecd. 1 p.m.) CANBERRA. Feb. 16 The Minister of Air, Mr. A. S. Drakeford, has issued the following communique:' "Royal Australian Air Force bombers raided grounded enemy aircraft and shipping at Gasmata, New Britain. They were intercepted by enemy fighters, but our bombing attack was pressed home and a large fire was started. Enemy anti-aircraft fire was also encountered. All our aircraft returned safely after completion of a successful attack."

FAILED TO RETURN NATIONALS FROM BRITAIN "'J LONDON. Feb. 15 The Foreign Office and the Treasury considering the cases of British nationals living abroad, particularly in America, and thus avoiding personal financial obligations to the State, says «ie Sunday limes. Particular attention is being paid to those who left Britain « the outbreak of war and did not return within the six months as promised.

ISLANDS OCCUPIED f:-' BATAVIA. Feb. 15 ..The Anambas Islands, east of Malaya, have been occupied by the ftpanese.'. • —; -i. -