INTACT & READY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 February 1942, Page 3

INTACT & READY

THE NETHERLANDS NAVY REPLY TO JAPANESE CLAIM. FURTHER DUTCH SUCCESSES; (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 7. Following upon a Japanese claim to have wiped out the Netherlands East Indies Navy, a Batavia communique announces that the Dutch Navy is “intact, at sea, and ready for action,” and one more Japanese cruiser has been sunk and another damaged. “Yesterday (the communique adds) naval aircraft attacked a large enemy transport off the west coast of Borneo. A direct hit was obtained with a heavy bomb, while a second bomb grazed the hull and exploded in the water near the vessel. The ship immediately started to list, and it was in a sinking condition when last seen. “In a harbour in the Netherlands East Indies a ship of the Royal Netherlands Navy and a merchant ship were bombed by Japanese aircraft. Not one of the 55 bombs which were dropped hit the targets. “A Netherlands destroyer was attacked in territorial waters of the Indies by seven hostile aircraft, which, however, did not score any successes. The warship did not sustain any damage or loss. “The commander of the Navy has been informed that an enemy cruiser was sunk during an attack in waters near Amboina, while another cruiser and a submarine were hit, but it was not possible to observe whether these two ships sank. Further reports concerning this attack are being awaited. “Further reports of the fighting on Amboina prove that the Japanese attacked the island with far superior forces, but here and there guerilla activity against the enemy is still continuing. The greater part of the island is practically in the hands of the Japanese. A part of the garrison managed to leave the island. More reports are being awaited.