AMAZING SCALE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25673, 23 October 1944, Page 5

AMAZING SCALE

EMBARKATION OF TROOPS (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. CorresDondent) (Rec. 8.50 p.m.) SYDNEY, Oct. 22. The embarkation of troops and equipment at New Guinea ports for the Philippines invasion was on an amazing scale, reports an Australian war correspondent who accompanied the invasion forces. In one bay, which a few months ago was a Japanese base, more than 100 ships were assembled, while others were dispersed to the horizon and beyond. The naval bombardment which preceded the Leyte landing was the most intense ever put down in the Pacific war. The Australian cruisers Australia and Shropshire,\ which were units of the fleet escort, together fired more than 500 tons of shells in direct support of the landings. Preparations for the invasion included the printing of special currency by the United States Treasury for the exiled Philippines Government. This new money was issued to the troops who landed on Leyte and will replace the Japanese inflation currency, which has skyrocketed prices. Rice, which cost six pesos in pre-war days, costs 1300 pesos under the Japanese regime. A book of Do’s and Don’ts was also issued to every soldier taking part in the invasion. The troops were warned not to “talk down” the Filipinos and that a “Hi, Babe” approach to women would not be welcome. The booklet gave a concise outline of Philippine history and customs, as well as health hints, and also a language .guide to enable the troops to greet and answer the Filipinos.