CONFIDENCE IN MALAYA

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21599, 9 December 1941, Page 4

CONFIDENCE IN MALAYA

SINGAPORE’S PREPAREDNESS IMPRESSIONS OF VISITORS Confidence in the preparedness of Malaya and Singapore to meet the Japanese menace was asserted by Mr C. H. White, of Singapore, and Mr M. Rice, of Penang, when they discussed the war situation today. The visitors are on furlough in New Zealand and were visiting Hamilton when news of the outbreak of war in the Pacific was received. They are now wondering how or when they will be able to return to their homes. Mr White isthe Public Works Department at Singapore and Mr Rice is in private business. Surprise that Japan had decided to take the plunge was expressed by the visitors. While the country with which they are familiar was fully prepared for war it was believed by the people that Japan would avoid open conflict, though it was clear that she had a constant “nuisance value.” They were convinced that Germany must be held responsible for forcing Japan into the struggle. Though he could not, of course, give away secrets, Mr White said he was perfectly familiar with the Singapore base. He gave the assurance that the base was completed and tremendously strong. It was capable of accommodating almost any number of ships and had dry dock facilities for the largest vessels afloat. In aerial defence amazing advance had been made throughout Malaya, the visitors said. The construction of a great chain of aerodromes and their equipment with ground staffs and machines had given the country a feeling of great confidence. The people were keenly fitting themselves to any attack. The visitors were volunteers. Japan had chosen an unfortunate time, from her own point of view, for landings anywhere but in sheltered harbours, said Mr Rice. The monsoon was now blowing and would continue until February. The landings on the coasts of Malaya must have presented difficulties because of the absence of harbours and the constant heavy surf.