SLOWLY GIVING WAY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 January 1942, Page 3

SLOWLY GIVING WAY

DEFENDERS OF MANILA ENEMY IN SUPERIOR STRENGTH DIFFICULTY OF SENDING REINFORCEMENTS. STATEMENT’BY SENATOR CONNOLLY. . (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, January 1. The situation round Manila is exceedingly grave. Last night’s Washington War Department communique stated that the American and Filipino troops were continuing their stubborn resistance according to the prearranged defence plans. The latest report indicated that General MacArthur was slowly giving way before hordes of Japanese attacking in the north and south of Manila with tanks, infantry and dive-bombers in greatly superior strength. The Associated Press of America stated yesterday that the fall of Manila appeared to be imminent. General MacArthur’s he' .dquarters announced at 11 p.m. yesterday that the enemy, driving forward in great force from the north and south, also practically controlled the roads with their bombers. General MacArthur yesterday - also announced dramatic attempts to evacuate 300 seriously wounded Americans from Luzon on a ship flying the United States and Red Cross flags. It is reported that the ship has departed and is on its way to Australia. The Japanese claimed to be advancing within seven miles of the city at one point. The communications between Manila and the rest of the world are now stated in New York to be confined to those still being maintained by the United States Navy Department. The Western Union cable service and all wireless transmissions have been taken over by the military authorities. Senator Tom Connolly, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, of the Senate, told reporters in Washington that the distance between the United States and the Philippines was so great as to make it virtually impossible to send reinforcements in time to prevent the fall of Manila. The United States must be prepared for losses of men and possibly many ships. JAPANESE CITIES AIR RAIDS ANTICIPATED. NEW YORK, December 31. The Tokio radio warned the Japanese public that air raids against Tokio and Yokohama can be expected during the New Year holidays, and that therefore the authorities have ordered a partial blackout of Tokio and Yokohama from tonight to January 4.