Evening star., 1942-02-02
Singapore
Continued From First Page)

preparations for Q last-ditch stand
It was presumed the Japanese
would require q few days to reorgan-
i1e after their long push down the
Malay Peninsula, but Singapore was
proceeding on the theory the invad-
ers might launch their attack at
any hour.
Keep Up Sporadic Fire.
Along the 35-mile front formed by
the mile wide strait which lies like
Q moat between the mainland and
Singapore Island, the British artil-
lery kept up q sporadic fire designed
to break the japanese assault prep
arations.
From trenches, foxholes and more
permanent Notifications machine
guns were trained on the narrow
strip of water, ready to loose a
whitening crossfire. Special pre-
cautions were taken to guard against
surprise attack by Japanese para
chutists.
All civilians were Withdrawn from
the northern part Of the island to
clear the way for the movements Of
defense forces, and in Singapore
itself military authorities enforced
. pm. curfew.
The welcome news that reinforce
ments had arrived was disclosed by
Sir Shenton Thomas, governor OF
Singapore, in broadcast yesterday.
I'VE have been told by Mr.. Church
Ill and others that help Is being
sent as quickly as possible" he said.
IT can tell you now that in the last
few days substantial reinforcements
have been received"
Expresses Confidence.
Sir Shenton did not disclose the
nature of the reinforcements. He
expressed confidence in the ability
Of the people of Singapore to stand
UP to total war" as have the peoples
Of Britain, Russia and China.
His confidence was echoed by
King George vi, who sent mes
sage Of sympathy and good cheer to
Sir Shenton and his people. d.
while the forces OF the empire
are fighting 80 valiantly against an
enemy greatly superior in numbers,
I know all on the island will acquit
themselves with the same resolu-
ton" the manarch said. II wish
good luck to you all"
A tour of the island yesterday dis
closed no signs of panic or despair
among the populace, despite the
loss Of the entire Malay Peninsula
to the invaders.
On the contrary, morale appeared
to be high, and propaganda leaflets
dropped by japanese airmen sug-
eesting that resistance was useless
were greeted with contemptuous
smiles.
Late Dispatches Quoted.
Following the German pattern,
these propaganda leaflets quoted
faxed news dispatches from neutral
sources designed to mislead Singa-
pore residents on war developments
elsewhere. One yellow sheet head
ed extra" gave purported highlights
Of . dispatch dated Lisbon. January
IA. asserting:
yankees tender olive branch
Roosevelt wants Singapore declared
neutral zone"
The withdrawal Of civilians from
q mile-wide strip On the north shore
Of Singapore Island was accom-
plished during the week end with
little commotion.
Driving their livestock before them
and carrying their household goods.
Chinese and Malay residents OF the
area moved quietly to districts far
ther south.
Some civilians already have left
the island, which has peacetime
population Of about 750, 0,00G scattered
over its 220 square miles. Gov.
Thomas said yesterday that as many
women and children as desired to go
would be removed regardless Of race,
as long as transportation facilities
existed.
Adequate Water supplies.
Water supplies in Singapore were
said to be adequate to resist q long
sieee, despite the loss Of reservoirs
On the mainland. Although the rainy
season is over, Singapore had q
heavy downpor during the week