HONG KONG LOST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 December 1941, Page 3

HONG KONG LOST

GARRISON SURRENDERS AFTER HEROIC STAND HEAVY FIGHTING IN THE PHILIPPINES AND ELSEWHERE

< FINAL REPORT <'• _ - - ■ FROM GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG Advice from Military and Naval Commanders FURTHER EFFECTIVE RESISTANCE IMPOSSIBLE UTMOST COURAGE AND DETERMINATION DISPLAYED BY DEFENDERS LONDON, December 25. UNDER OVERWHELMING PRESSURE, HONG KONG HAS SURRENDERED. The heroic stand by the garrison of Britain’s island fortress in the China seas has thus come to an end. A. communique giving this news was received in London this evening. It stated that the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Mark Young, regretted to report that he had been advised by the military and naval commanders that no further effective resistance was possible, and that he had taken action in accordance with that advice. The Japanese effected a landing in strength at several points on the island on December 18. Yet for seven days, under relentless artillery fire, not only from the mainland but from positions on the island, the garrison fought on, rejecting ’three demands that it should surrender. Interference with the , water supply gave considerable trouble. Important reservoirs fell into Japanese hands. Water mains were destroyed by bombardment and although the Public Works Department succeeded in effecting repairs the mains were again cut. Military and civilian casualties have both been heavy, but under the inspiring leadership of Sir Mark Young the utmost courage and determination have been displayed by the Royal Navy, by the Canadian, British and Indian troops of the garrison and by local volunteer units. Their gallant stand will long be remembered. Soon after the cease fire order was given Japanese Army chiefs entered into negotiation with Sir Mark Young. 4 The island was ceded to Great Britain 100 years ago. Hong Kong has become one of the world’s greatest ports. j NO CHANGE IN MALAYA In Malaya, the situation on the north-west front remains unchanged. There has been some dive-bombing’ 1 by enemy , planes, but the bombing was very haphazard and caused little damage and few casualties. ENEMY LANDING IN BORNEO Japanese landings are reported in the south-west part of British Borneo. Our planes scored direct hits.on the stern of an enemy merchant ship and at least near misses on a number of others. Other reports state that the enemy landing has continued and there has since been no direct news from Borneo. SOME GAINS AND LOSSES It is officially announced that an American bomber has sunk a Japanese submarine off the coast of California. A Netherlands Navy communique reports that a Japanese destroyer of 1,700 tons has been sunk by a Netherlands submarine, which got away in face of depth charges. The Netherlands High Command reports the loss of a, Dutch submarine. The vessel was returning from an important mission which it had carried out successfully when it struck a mine and sank. Only one member of the crew was saved. In Washington Admiral Hart announced that a large Japanese transport and a minesweeper had been sunk and another large enemy transport probably sunk. DEFENCE IN SOUTH PACIFIC The Australian Government has been asked to supply immediately to Washington information about defence measures in the South Pacific. FIERCE STRUGGLE Continues in Philippines AMERICANS GAIN LOCAL SUCCESSES IN COUNTER-ATTACKS In the Philippines, fierce fighting continues. , The troops led by General Macarthur have launched counter-attacks and have already gained some local successes, particularly southThe Japanese forces in Luzon are still being reinforced. * Japanese infantry and light tanks are making a drive southwards in Luzon on the mam highway to liie y are reported to be 110 miles north of the capital. The Japanese are developing a spearhead drive from a number of points where troops landed in the Gulf of Lingayen three days ago.