HALF OF SOURABAYA IS IN BRITISH HANDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 268, 13 November 1945, Page 5

HALF OF SOURABAYA IS IN BRITISH HANDS

FIGHTING IS DYING DOWN

JAPANESE TO STAND TRIAL FOR SUPPLYING ARMS

Recd. 1 1.30 p.m. Batavia, Nov. 12. More than half of Sourabaya is now reported to be in British hands. The city was bombed and shelled again, on the second day in succession, the bomb-aimers and gun-layers pin-pointing extremist targets.

Three Japanese generals have been arrested and will stand trial in Singapore for supplying arms, ammunition and equipment 1o the Indonesians, against the orders of the Allied Commander-in-f'hief, South-east Asia. Lord Louis Mountbatten, before they themselves surrendered. It is reported that the Japanese supplied the Indonesian Nationalists with some 20,000 arms, armoured vehicles and other fire weapons. A British force of Sherman tanks larded in Batavia to-day. Part of the landing foree was composed of the Duke of Connaught’s 13th Lancers.

“There is no question of this being merely a brush; there is a definite atmosphere of war,” said a British lieutenant colonel, Roy Oflver. after returning to Batavia with the first full eye-wit-ness aeeount of military action against the Indonesians.

Lieut.-Colonel Oliver reported seven big fires in Sourabaya, barricades across the streets, and continuous Allied artillery fire. British forces have captured the power station and are holding half the eity.

The fighting started with the expiry of Brigadier-General Mansergh’s ultimatum to the Indonesians to hand over their arms. British, artillery opened fire on targets in the city, while warships gave supporting fire and bombers went into action. Lieut.-Colonel Oliver saw precision bombing of Indonesian headquarters. He said the pilots kept scrupulously to their targets. Brigadier-General Mansergh is leading the operations with

grim determination. AlLed troops who escaped the, Indonesian attack on Octooer 28, in whicn brigadier Mailaoy was murdered, alleged that the Indonesians committed atrocities, especially against British and Indians. .Lieuten-ant-Colonel Oliver said that almost all tne officers of the 49th. Brigade headquarters were either killed or

still m ssing after the attack. He described the rescue of about 3500 Japanese and Dutch internees irom Sourabaya prison on Thursday night. A British platoon reached the pr.son under lire from snipers and the platoon leader called up reinforcements and cleared the prison area, after which the prisoners were evacuated to the docks. The male prisoners were emac.ated and “dennitely Belsen,” but the women and children were in considerably better condition. A statement from General Christison’s headquarters denied Indonesian assertions tnat Brtiish air attacks had been ind.scrimmate. On the contrary, every target had been carefully reconnoitred and pin-pointed. A British casualty report listed 183 officers and men missing, presumed prisoners. Brigadier R. G. Loder Symonds, commander of the Royal Artillery Detachment, Sourabaya. was killed when a Mosquito crashed when taking off on an observation flight. Recd. 12.12 a.m. Batavia, Nov. 12. There is no sign of the Indonesians calling for a cease fire, says the "exchange Telegraph’s” correspondent. The British could compel a quick capitulation, but it is understood MajorGeneral Mansergh considers that an unwise course because it would entail the loss of life and damage to property. He intends to continue the tactics of steady house-to-house penetration by infantry, supported by artillery where necessary. Scores of Indonesians in Sourabaya were killed in fanatical charges against. British tanks moving up to support British troops. Indonc ian women, under cover of darkness, are crawnng into the fighting zones to remove their dead. The Indonesians are using Japanese tanks against the British. The latest developments in Batavia are:— Firstly, a number of Sherman tanks have arrived. Secondly, a curfew has been instituted from 10 p.m. to 4.30 a.m., beginning to-night. Thirdly, barricades are to be erected on certain roads, where all cars will be checked. Indonesian Moslems, while British and Indian troops were tightening their grin on Sourabaya, broadcast an appeal to Moslem leaders in India. Mecca and London and begin a holy war against colonial subiugation. Dr. Soebardjo broadcast an apneal to Mr. Molotov for Russian aid in winning “justice from the world” for the Indonesians.