DEFENCES READY

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21418, 12 May 1941, Page 8

DEFENCES READY

DUTCH EAST INDIES AIR FORCE EXPANSION ALLEGIANCE TO ALLIES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 12, 3.15 p.m.) ’T* BATAVIA, May II Over 300,000 Dutch, 1,500,000 | Chinese, and 60,000,000 natives of j the Dutch East Indies entered the i second year of war against Germany with solemn declarations to continue the fight with Britain until the aggressor had been defeated. The allegiance of the natives to the BritishDutch cause was demonstrated by special services at all mosques throughout the East Indies. At Batavia’s chief mosque the Regent of Batavia addressed the faithful, saying: “The East Indies will offer the strongest opposition if attacked. without consideration from which side the attack comes.” New Fortifications Reviewing the strengthening of the ■ East Indies’ defences. General J. I Berenschot, Commander-in-Chief of i the Netherlands East Indies Army, j said: “Our air force has received im- j portant reinforcements increasing the safety of our large towns against ; air attacks. Supplies of new air- j craft are still coming forward. Our squadrons are patrolling the whole of the Archipelago. These aircraft operate from bases well defended by infantry, whence they can refuel and load bombs when required. “Widespread fuel and ammunition dumps have been laid down. The army has been reinforced with men, arms and mechanised equipment. Mobility has been increased with armoured cars and hundreds of motor transport vehicles. “In addition to the standing army a second army, including town guards and country guards, is rapidly being formed. New fortifications in many places of the Archipelago have greatly increased our defensive power.”