TROOPS POUR IN

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21655, 16 February 1942, Page 5

TROOPS POUR IN

ALLIED REINFORCEMENTS DEFENCE OF THE INDIES PI TCH DETERMINATION cuited Press Assn.—Elec. re:. Copyright; LONDON, Feb. 15 The Sydney Sun’s correspondent in Batavia reports the landing in Dutch territory of Empire and Allied reinforcements, which are said to be pouring in. The New York Times says that American troops have arrived on the Netherlands East Indian island of Java. This has not come from any other source. The paper says they are stationed there along with the British and Australian forces. The correspondent of the New York Times emphasises that few details can be given out concerning the American units, but their presence is now widely known on the island, he says. Another American correspondent in Java puts into words the attitude of the Netherlands. He quotes an article which says: “We have not challenged the enemy and said our defences are impregnable. We have only said we shall defend ourselves to the last man. We have looked the danger in the face calmly. Now everyone is ready to do his utmost.” The ocupation by the Japanese of Banjermassin, capital of the south and east district of Dutch Borneo, may be presumed, it is officially stated in Batavia. It is mentioned that the destructions ordered have already been carried out as had been done in other places of the archipelago when danger from the enemy became imminent and when defence was not considered possible. When 12 American bombers attacked enemy shipping off Macassar at least one large vessel was hit states a Washington communique. No American bombers are missing from these operations.