Evening star., 1942-01-24

Fighting Fierce
In Baton Area

The tert of the War Department
communique No. 73, outlining tht
military situation as of $50 am. to-
day, tollo,Us:
1. Philippine theater:
Fresh japanese troops are con-
tinuing heavy attacks on Gen.
MacArthur's troops in Batan
Peninsula. These attacks are par
ticularly heavy on the left flank
and are supported by the fire of
hostile naval vessels and by air
craft.
The enemy succeeded in tax
ing a number of positions on the
west coast. Fierce counterat-
tacks by our troops expelled the
Japanese from some of these
points, but others remain in pos
session of the enemy. Heavy
losses were suffered on both
sides.
The enemy continues to land
new troops in Subic Bay and on
the west coast Of the Batan
Peninsula, greatly increasing the
numerical superiority Of the in
vaders.
Though fatigued from constant
fighting, American and Filipino
troops continue their stubborn
resistance contesting savagely
every advance made by the en-
emy. Their enthusiasm, courage
and devotion are undiminished.
2. There is nothing to report
from other areas.
War Department conan,unique No
~ outlining the military situation
rs of S pm. yesterday tolIo,Ds:
l. Philippine Theater:
Gen. Macarthur advises that
he is in receipt Of a proclamation
signed by 1t. Gen. MaSaharu
Homma, commander in chief of
the Japanese forces in the Philip
pines, greatly extending the list
of offenses punishable by death.
The proclamation lists II cate
gories covering a wide variety of
offenses for which the death
penalty is to be imposed on civil
ians in the occupied areas of the
Philippines. The following is q
list of the offenses catalogued in
the proclamation:
1. Rebellion against Japanese
forces.
2. Intentionally giving false di-
rections to Japanese naval, land
or air forces.
3. Espionage; collecting or CIV
ing out military information to
American-Phil forces or to
the public.
4. Giving false information or
spreading rumors of military i'm
portance.
5. Damaging or destroying
roads, waterways, bridges, rail-
ways, signs. telegraph or tele-
phone lines or equipment, mail
facilities; any other disturbance
Ol LTdllC VI OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES.
6. Damaging. destroying or
burning houses, warehouses,
buildings, trains. automobiles.
vehicles, ships, arms. ammuni-
tion, provisions, clothing. or any
other military equipment.
7. Damaging or destroying
military signs and notices.
8. Destroying or concealing
clothing. provisions, fuel. vehicles
or livestock to avoid comman-
deering by the Japanese military
authorities.
9. Stealing arms, ammunition,
provisions, clothing or other sup
plies from the military author
tiles.
10. Looting, robbery, murder,
arson, sedition. or disturbing the
peace.
II. Pollution Of drinking water.
IL. Attacking Japanese soldiers
or civilian employees of the army
or hindering them in the dis
charge of their duties.
Is. Counterfeiting or refusing
to accept military notes or similar
currency or hindering its free
circulation by slanderous state
ments.
IA. Harboring or aiding the
escape Of any person violating
martial law.
Is. Refusing or failing to obey
orders issued by Japanese forces.
is. Any other acts against the
interests Of the japanese forces.
II. Any suggestion or assistance
in the commission Of the acts
listed.
=. There II nothing to report
from other areas.