TORN FOR BETTER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20659, 9 January 1942, Page 5

TORN FOR BETTER

NEXT FEW WEEKS DEFENCE OF MALAYA NAVIES REINFORCED (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Me a. Jaft. 8; L2O p.m.) SINGAPORE, Jan. 7. Authoritative reports indicate that the position in Malaya is likely to take a decisive turn for the better during the next few weeks.. Japanese landings in Malaya will become more iptd.mofe difficult as fne situation develops. Britain and America are ruslu lg every possible supply to bolster the Singapore defences. Admiral Sir Geoffrey Layton has left the base to organise, his fleet so that the Allies may gain sea supremacy in. the. Far East as soon as possible. Extensive reinforcement of the Allied navies in the Pacific has occurred and 'will continue. Reports of the fighting in Malaya aa'y that the Japanese pressure on the main front has increased, mainly through the activities of suicide squads. Immediately these squads are mown down they are replaced by fresh troops. British Counter-Attacking Imperial forces on the east coast of Malaya are continuing their withdrawal according to plan. The British forces have been counter-attack-ifig in the Kuala Selangor region, where fighting ,is continuing in treacherous mangrove swamp country. The defenders are also trying to .the Japanese ,thrust across the Bernam River. It is believed that the battle fCr Kuala Lumpur cannot long be delayed. The increasing danger of Japanese Overwhelming air superiority Continues to b'e emphasised in .Loridon as the most disturbing feature Of, the Whole, fighting, especially. , the .fact that the Japanese air fotce seems to be swinging its blitz Southwards ..to fhC .roads, . railways, .arid airfields Between, their, arrijiy arid Singapore. Thel.. aeronautical, Writer of the Daily Herald says the real air battle for. Singapore will begin when ~trie Japanese are able tO seize the Kuala Lumpur and Port Swettenham airfields. „ Ships Left For Japanese The real dariger nOw comes from that useful collection of ships arid striall .craft which we. were senseless enough to leave behind for the Japanese at Penang. It is feared that the Japanese sudden landings will be. able, to seize Kuala, Lumpur and Port Swetteriharii airfields. AcfiOrding to The Times’ correspondent . at Singapore, criticism of the failure to apply the “scorched earth” policy is evidently bearing fruit. The policy is now being applied, with greater thoroughness than in the early stages of the Japanese advance. Tin mines are being flooded or dredges made unserviceable. On rubber estates where it is impossible to destroy every tree, all the equipment is being destroyed. The Tokio official radio admits that the Japanese forces have begun their withdrawal frorri Changsha, having accomplished their objectives.