DEFENCE OF INDIA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 April 1942, Page 3

DEFENCE OF INDIA

GENERAL SIR A. WAVELL BROADCASTS RELIANCE ON MOBILE FORCES AIR & LAND UNITS REINFORCED. CONFIDENCE IN OUTCOME. LONDON, April 21. In a broadcast from New Delhi, General Sir A. Wavell, Comman-der-in-chief in India, indicated that British air strength in India had been powerfully reinforced. Aircraft and anti-aircraft defences were now strong enough, in most quarters, General Wavell stated, to cause the invaders much heavier losses than they had suffered elsewhere. General Wavell said the immediate danger was that of air attack rather than of invasion but it was not in the power of the Japanese to launch air attacks on India on anything like the scale of the German attacks on Britain or our attacks on Germany.

Referring to the danger of invasion, which he described as less immediate, though real, General Wavell said India would be defended by air striking forces which would attack enemy ships employed in landing operations, and by land striking forces. It was impracticable to defend all parts of the extensive coastline, but though the Japanese might succeed in occupying temporarily a portion of the country, India could never be conquered if she remained true to herself. Ultimate victory over the Axis. Powers was certain, General Wavell declared as they were opposed by the four toughest nations in the world Britain, Russia, China and the United Slates. The victory of the United Nations would be only a matter of time.