LATE CABLE NEWS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22183, 29 January 1942, Page 5

LATE CABLE NEWS

SINGAPORE CLIMAX (Rec. 1.52 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 28. Pressure on Singapore is viewed most seriously here, and it is realised that the climax to the Malayan struggle is The feeling exists that the Empire forces are in danger of being trapped. With the Japanese pressing the Imperial forces from the west to the east coast, the present fighting represents a battle for the roads and the only rail; way to Singapore. The lessons of the Malayan campaign, however, are likely to be turned to advantage in Burma, where a major conflict appears to be developing. General Sir Archibald Wavell’s recent visit to Rangoon is believed..jo have resulted in the application oi special tactics to counter the Japanese offensive. According to very reliable sources, General Wavell stressed the necessity of maintaining the offensive wherever possible. It is understood that he recommended that the utmost judgment be exercised in order to avoid over-estimating Japanese numerical superiority. Some reports have said that the Japanese practice of infiltrating along the flanks of the British forces often gives, ■Ww impression that their numbers are greater than is actually the case.

NO FURTHER NEWS

(Rec. 1.38 a.m.) MELBOURNE, J»«. ’2B). The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr F. M. Forde) announced to-nisht that he had no further news regarding fighting either in Malaya or Rabaul. Mr Forde expressed keen appreciation of the Canadian Government's offer to send a division of Canadian troops’to Australia should help be required.

SUPPLY COUNCIL

MELBOURNE. Jan. 28-: The Australian Federal Government is to set up a Supply Council to handle the question of supplies between Australia and the Allies in the Pacific zone. The Council is expected to include representatives of every nation assisting Australia against Japan. Mr Churchill's announcement that a Pacific War Council is being set up is creating the utmost interest in political circles In Australia. It is understood that the Australian War Council.' also the War Cabinet, will immediately discuss the possibility of its establishment at Canberra rather than at Washington or London as indicated by Mr Churchill.

SPANISH SHIP SUNK

LONDON, Jan. 28. Another Spanish ship has been sunk by a U-boat. As usual Germany says that the ship was sunk by a .British torpedo. The Admiralty has pointed out previously when a Spanish ship was sunk that the object of the Axis is to create trouble between Britain and Spain.