HEADS MUST FALL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 18, 18 February 1942, Page 4

HEADS MUST FALL

THE shock of the fall of Singapore, has left the average Britisher with a vague feeling that all was not well in the Far Eastern Command. Stories from American evacuees, and sharp criticism from Australia lends colour to the general uneasiness. The inner story of the seige, the investment of the fortress and the final surrender, will come out in due course, but until such time we can only view the situation as the broad facts permit,, and they are these —The greatest citid«el in Asiatic waters, defended by an army tested and brave, and backed by an arsenal which occupied twenty years in the building, fell after a five day attack by an invading army of Japanese. One million people were forced steadily to within a compass of three miles, and appeared, like so many defenceless children in their cramping and their crowding. Water, electricity and other routine services failed, while the food problem made the whole outlook hopeless. Negotiations followed resulting in the humiliation of surrender. The feelings of the Nation were reflected in the tone and words of the great Winston, whose epic speech last Monday served as a grim warning of greater and dealier tasks ahead. But what of the effect broadly upon the Empire? The stunning effect of the reverse, having passed, has left in its stead a mounting belief that there is something wrong. This intangible something' is linked not merely with the conduct of the Malayan campaign, but with other and just as important ventures embarked on by British arms. Our men are brave, second to none in the world, we are fondly telling ourselves. And so it ought to be. But why the steady succession of withdrawals? Our whole history of the present war, apart from the magnificent 'Battle of Britain' appears to- have been one long series of 'strategic retreats.' If we cannot find fault with the bravery of our men, we are forced to probe deeper, and look , for other reasons. From the lay standpoint this is most intricate, but the lay mind can grasp and understand the need for prompt decisive action, for speed initiative and offensive. These in the face of an enemy such as the Japanese are vital, yet to what extent' were they applied in Malaya. Outspoken press references in. the Old Country, have referred to 'birds of passage Generals' and; 'whisky-swilling planters.' Does this provide a solution. If. so we still have to thank the 'old school tie' tradition for our misfortunes. Hidebound tradition is but the tramelling which clogs the free wheels of action. What are needed today are men of action; fearless, reliant and resolute leaders, and if Singapore has only taught us that much it will contribute something to relieve the bitterness and the disillusionment engendered by its capture.