LIQUOR SUPPLIES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 30, 18 March 1942, Page 5

LIQUOR SUPPLIES

IN EVENT OF INVASION SHOULD BE DESTROYED As a sequel to a rather flippant letter written by a correspondent, suggesting that the precedent of destroying all liquor stocks in Hongkong, Singapore, Moulmeen iand Rangoon, to save them falling into the hands of the victory flushed Japanese invaders, it is interesting to' note in passing that it has caused considerable comment. The letter though Ave are assured was not intended in any other form than that of passing comment, has at its foundation a meaning Avhich the British High Command in Malaya and elseAvherc found very necessary to act upon. It is well-knoAvn that the Japanese as a race are addicted to the : drinking of an intoxicant known as "sake." This though not a pure wine, is a species of light alcohol Avith heady effects. Practically the Avliole nation recognises the drink which is parallel to our oavii ale. It Avas recognised therefore that if large quantities of the "Avhite devils" drink AA ? ere left in the hands of the 1 invaders, that the atrocities perpetrated upon the helpless civilian population though bad enough at any time would have scarcely stood investigation. The Jap soldier .has proved himself a bloodthirsty and cruel foeman at any time —liquor Avould transform him into a veritable fiend. With our own c'mc and military authorities endeavouring to curb the use of alcohol in our own army, it can be readily understood the devastating effect upon an invading force Avith no limits upon their actions and a completely different sense of values frcm our oaaii . The drastic expedient aspo'used by our correspondent of blowing up the hotels in the path of the invaders (should eA'er the need arise) is not likely to be acted upon—especially his 'full dress rehearsal.' But if on the other hand steps could be taken by the E.P.S. to ensure last-minute destruction of all alcoholic stocks, the suggestion Avoukl be ansAvered pnd our country spared the possibilities of even more ghastly outrages committed by drunken freebooting soldiery of the Orient.