BRAVE SAILORS LOST

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21601, 11 December 1941, Page 5

BRAVE SAILORS LOST

NEWSPAPER-MEN PUZZLED CUNNING OF JAPANESE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 11. 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 10 Commenting on the loss of H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse, a naval authority said it had been known for years that the Japanese had concentrated on the development of attack by torpedo-carrying aircraft, operating from aircraftcarriers. Nothing is known of any special secret weapon with which the Japanese might have achieved this success.

The Japanese have maintained the greatest secrecy and cunning regarding their naval development since the last war.

The loss of the ships is incomprehensible to newspaper correspondents at Singapore, who inspected the ships recently. Anti-aircraft equipment covered every angle of attack, in addition to the ordinary armament, while the deck armour was seemingly impregnable. Mr Duff Cooper's Appeal

“Worse than the loss of the ships is the loss of many brave sailors and skilled officers, who died as they wished, fighting for their country,” said Mr A. Duff Cooper in an interview at Singapore. Battleships may be sunk, but nothing can overcome the great spirit and character of the British people. “Let us rededicate ourselves to our country’s cause, swear that all we have done will be as nothing: in comparison with what we will do in the future.” The Tokio radio claims that Japanese naval forces seized a British armed merchantman, which was taken to an unnamed port.