BRITISH HANDICAPPED IN MALAYA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 292, 11 December 1941, Page 5

BRITISH HANDICAPPED IN MALAYA

DIFFICULT COUNTRY ENEMY SEEKS KOTA BHARU AERODROME DEFENDERS MAY HAVE TO FALL BACK <By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) (Reed 5 5 p.m.) Singapore, Dec. 9 A communique, stressing, as it does, the size of the Japanese air force* engaged in the battle for the control of northern Malaya, gives the first indication ot the difficulties against which the small British force in this area are fighting. There are considerable obstacles against reinforcing Imperial troops by land, because the communications are largely by sea Tire railway winds over mountains along a single track, while the road along the coast is the poorest. The principal object of defence is to prevent the aerodrome falling into the enemy's hands. If the position becomes untenable it is certain the aerodrome will be destroyed by our forces in the event of retirement. The possibility of retirement is , not remote, particularly in view of the communique's announcement that Japanee* forces are being reinforced by sea. This reinforcement is likely to continue regardless of cost in manpower. The chief advantage to the attackers if they gain the aerodrome is that they will have a base wherefrom to launch air attacks against southern Malaya and Singapore and also a base wherewith to supply land forces which can he used as filtration forces down the east coast of Malaya. The threat from Singapore and Patani, wherefrom road and railways run to the west and east coast* of the peninsula, respectively, is regarded seriously. An attacking force would be able to proceed right to the Malaya border without opposition from land forces, because of Thailand's capitulation. The British defences in this area cover roads, but the communique's statement regarding “considerable numbers of Japanese aircraft" are taken to indicate that these are being used in a large force against the defenders, who are mainly Indian, under the command of Major-General Lewis Heath. Australian troops are not yet taking part, although a small force is believed to be helping the Indian troops to j defend the Kota Bharu aerodrome. I The defenders have made preparations to flood certain areas in the event of a Japanese break-through lin Perlis. The High Command may consider some areas southward of the present | positions as being more easily held, in which case a strategic retirement can be expected. A Japanese communique rlainv that strong formations are advancing through central Thailand to Burma Japanese troops attacked the territory of Singapore and Japanese troops have entered Bangkok (capital of Thailand*. (Reed. 11.50 p m.) Rugby. Dec. 11. A Singapore communique reports that the enemy continued effort* in Northern Malaya without making much progress. Five enemy planes were brought down at Butterworth. Penang. The Japanese made a further landing a Kuantan, on the east and have been engaged. Naval reinforcements. bombers and fighters arrived at Singapore yesterday.— B.O.W.