MARTIAL LAW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 December 1941, Page 6

MARTIAL LAW

EXPECTED IN MALAYA STERN CONTROL OVER POPULATION. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIFTH COLUMN. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received Tnis Day, 12.15 p.m.) SINGAPORE, December 29. The establishment of martial law throughout Malaya is expected. Malaya’s civil administration is strained severely by the war and stern measures are now believed to be necessary to control the populace and maintain their morale and to prevent breakdowns, particularly in Northern Malaya. The whole population of Singapore is obliged to register and carry identity cards, 'thus minimising the fifth column danger. AIR & SEA ATTACKS THE RAID ON MEDAN AIRPORT. (Received This Day, 12.15 p.m.) LONDON, December 29. A Batavia message says Japanese bombers attacked the aerodrome at Medan (Sumatra) on Sunday and destroyed the K.N.I.L.N. (air line.) office and a Dutch plane, which was about to start. Sorong, in north-west New Guinea, was also bombed, houses, shops and offices being destroyed or damaged. Many fires are still raging. One person was killed and some were injured. Australian bombers scored direct hits on the stern of a small Japanese cruiser north of Minahasa.

It is reported from Honolulu that submarines sank the American freighters Prusa and Manin. Nine persons were killed and twelve are missing.