HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
ORGANISATION, FUNCTIONS AND TRAINING OF BRITAIN'S HOME GUARD
A number of interesting details in connexion with the organisation and functions of Britain's Home Guard were revealed in the course of a discussion between Sir Fred- erick Whyte, K.C.S.I.. former political adviser to the Chi- nese National Government, and General Henry Rowan- Robinson, C.B., C.M.G., D.5.0., which was broadcast from London on Wednesday.
In answer
Lo a question of this organisation, Gen. Rowan- from Sir Frederick, General Robinson said that it was not as Expensive As-the arty. The civil Rowan Robinson explained
occupations of the members took how the Home Guard came
up the greater part of their day into being. It was formed, and consequently they cost the he said, to cope with the new country very little. They had one methods of invasion which or two hours training a week and Many of the Germans had practised two nights of watching.
them, however, did less according
in Holland, Belgium and to the calls on their time by their France. The Home Guard civil duties.
was not really an organisa- tion to meet armoured forces,
Sir Frederick What about their
equipment? Are they as well arm-
but more to prevent landings and equipped as the regulars?
by parachute troops.
SINGLE RESISTANCE "The idea." said Gen.
Rowan- Robinson, Is bu organise the whole country to a single unit of resistance. It was an entirely new ice and the members are of ganised and armed to meet con- ditions of invasion, but they would, of course, play a large part in the defence plans
Sir Frederick What is the Home Guard? What does it consist of? Gen. Rowan Robinson: It Is really a great body of civilians turned soldiers for the time being. It is composed of men who are either too old or too young to get into the actual fighting services. but It does not take away a single man from the army, navy or air force.
Sir Frederick What are their functiona?
Gen. Rowan-Robinson: Their chief functions are local de- fence. They watch and report tandings by the enemy in any locality. In addition, they keep an eye on the food problems and act as guides for the re- gular troops passing through their districts.
Sir Frederick: If they du all this, why are they not part of the re- gular army?
Gen. Rowan-Robinson. They are, The army is the essential striking force, but in
a big attack, the army must be able to fight in any part of the world.
LITTLE COST
In reply to a query as to the cost
DIVE-BOMBERS BEATEN BY R.A.F.
Gen. Robinson: Ne In the case of the Home Guard, If the battle does not come to them, they don't go out The regular army requires aeroplanes, tanks and guns. The Home Guard has no need for such equipment.
Sir Frederick: Presuming that the German soldier and parachu- tlst is well-trained, how are we to expect the less trained Home Guardsmen to meet them?
move
Gen. Rowan-Robinson: The advantages are not all on one side. German parachutists can be shot down as they are land- ing or after they have reached the ground. Then these para- chutists even if they escape this attack, have to along unknown reads. They may meel road blocks and then they come to villages. And in the meantime, they must get ammunition and how are they going to replace this ammani- tion as they will constantly be meeting the Home Goard.
MANY DIFFICULTIES
CABLE
FEATURE SWING BAND
Nat Allen and his Quintet, a swing band featured regularly in the BBC's Overseas short-wave service. The band had a fortun- ale escape when the Cafe de Paris was destroyed during a heavy air raid on London. Nat Allen and the quintet left the Cafe de Paris a few minutes before a bomb fell on the very spot on which they had been playing.
Indo-China
And The ABCD Front
NEWS FROM INDIA
Japanese Aggression Curbed By
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 1941.-PAGE 7 NO REASON FOR Vast German APPREHENSION, Fifth Column SAYS DR. KUNG In Iran
ཉི་མ་ཡག་
And
Limited Land FOREIGN EXCHANGE Afghanistan
& Air Power
AVAILABLE
LONDON, July (Reuter)=* CHUNGKING, Aug. 1 (Reuter) "A vast"German fifth columa” is WASHINGTON, July 31
There is no reason for apprehen- in Iran and Afghanistan, accord- ston in China over the freezing of ing to the Eastern corresponden (Reuter) The Japanese are
Chinese funds in the United States of the Independent French st heavily outnumbered Dr
and Britain, for foreign exchange Agency. the Sovlet artnies in eastern
will be made available to meet the Siberia and face considerable
'The correspondent says: Greas requirement of the Chinese Gov Britain and Russia are at present obstacles in any move south- ernment and also legitimate busi- engaged at Teheran and Kabul in ward from Indo-China, U. S. ness needs, declares DR. H. H combating the subterranean acti- Government officials told KUNG, Minister of Finance, in an vities of this fifth column. Utilia pressmen yesterday.
official statement.
He added that he has instructed German agents and saboteurs are
ing these twu centres Speaking on the basis of "detail-
as bases, ed information from the Orient," the Chinese Currency Stabilisa- inftrating into the neighbouring they expressed the belief that tion Board that "in carrying out territories on the Soviet Caucasian
ilmited land their duties, they must give effect and air power to adopt a waiting to the policy of the United States republics, the Republics of Tur- and British Governments to whom well as the North-West Frontler komen and Soviet Turkestan as opportunist course.
Russian forces in the Far East the Chinese Government is pledg-
[of India. 40ing full co-operation," are estimated to include some divisions despite substantial with- drawals to fight the Germans in the West.
Japan is forced by
Japan is believed to have only about -14 divisions available in Manchuria and Korea.
The Japanese air force is est! mated altogether at about 3,600 planes, largely out-of-date models. and the Russian Far Eastern fleet at about 2.400 prior to withdrawals to the European front.
BOMBING OF JAPAN Officials thought the bombing of Japanese from Vladivostok →→ a distance of about 750 miles possible but difficult.
the
He referred to President Roosevelt's statement. "the administration of the firens- ing system with respect to Chinese assets will be conduct- ed with a view to strengthen- ing
the foreign trade ex- change position of the Chinese Government."
"Accidents which appear to De attributable to sabotage in indus- trial centres in the Caucasus have led to increased vigilance by the Soviet authorities.
OIL WELLS
It is understood that Great Britain is specially concerned with safeguarding the 1clineries, and oil wells of the Anglo-Persian. öll Meanwhile, the Chinese Govern- Company in southern Iran. There ment spokesman declared, the Chi-
la good nese Government is highly grati German agents are working in
adopted
fled at the measures
the by
N.E.I., particularly the suspension of of agreements with Japan,
He added: "The action taken by the N.EL. clearly shows that all the Powers, whose possessions
reason to believe that
close collaberatio WILD White Russian refugees, some of whom have been furnished with German passports.
ACUTE FAMINE JUBBULPORE, July 31 Reuter)- Sacrifices for appressing the Ralo
They gave 88 divisions an God, "Indra," were performed by mit Japan could equip, the forces and interests in Southern Pacific
Brahmin priests of the Jubbulpore fighting in China and threatening are threatened by Japan, are now gerous activities of the
included in this solidly united
aggression."
HANOI, July 31 (Reuter)-in an exclusive statement to General Decoux declared that Indo-China would continue as far as possible to maintain with HONGKONG, Singapore and other parts of the ABCD front the Far East
economic relations dictated by her essential needs and geogra- phical position.
Indo-China, Gen. Decour stated,
requires from these countries cer
Sir Frederick agreed that any Invasion of Britain from the air would be faced with many dis-tain primary and necessary sup
plies which are even now obtain- Gen. Rowan-Robinson added that able in only insufficient quantities
and with considerable difficulty,
VICHY'S POLICY
culties.
district and Northern Mahakoshal Malaya being which are threatened by
Acute total. famine owing to the shortage of rains.
It is considered that should Japan make any hostile move HEAVY FLOODS
against the Dutch Bast Indies, AHMEDABAD, July 31 (Reuter) Britain would promptly come in The recent heavy floods of the against her though the Indies Sabramatt River have resulted in a themselves are capable of putting
hortage of water supply in Ahme-up a fair resistance. dabad City as the channel which fed the waterworks is completely Blited
Normal supply is expected to be restored within a week.
182 LIVES LOST
the Government
might complicate the internationa! altuation of the Far East.
MARKET FIRE
against Japanese
104,990
USING PUBLIC SHELTERS
The Soviet and British Ministers have drawn the attention of the Iranian Government to the dan- German enlist ugents who are trying to the support of Iranian subjects trading in Soviet and British ter- ritories.
UNORIGINAL PROPAGANDA "It is noted that twice within a period of six weeks, the Afghan Government has made a point, of proclaiming its determination to maintain strict neutrality. Newto theless, certain groups of you Afghans have been won over Nast ideas and are ing the game of the local Nas agents LONDON, Juży 31 (BWS)--A who are conducting propilganda census taken this month shows of a somewhat simple and up- 104,90 people are using the public original character. They em- shelters and 556,000 domestic phase first that the Afghans owe
WAR HAVING
apart from this it bad to be re-
SERIOUS EFFECT membered that the Home Guard. would be fighting in defence of Emphasising the intention of the their own homes and country and Indo-China authorities and the hundred-eighty-two lives were lost.
MADRAS, July 31 (Reuter)--A ON JAPAN that had a great effect.
population to falttifully carry out in a cyclone, and foods which TOKYO, Jul 31 (Reuter) Vichy Government's poles, en devastated Malabar yesterday, ac-There is no doubt that this war shelters compared with 470,200 in it to themselves to ensure the re- Decoux maintained that Indo-
bringing serious effects China would do nothing which cording to information received by is
to November last year and 2,140,000 turn of Afghan minorities to their Japan" declared Prince Konoye, while approximately 12 per cent country and second, that a coun- Japanese Prime Minister. address- of the users of public sheltera ar try Eke Afghanistan should have While declining to answer specific DELHI, July 31 (Reuter)-Coning the 16th Plenary Session of children, stated Alderman Charles a powerful air force to ensure questions
siderable damage was caused by a the National Mobilisation Investl-Key, M.P. Special London Regional its defence, concerning the new!
Commissioner. Franco-Japanese accord which be
fodder market near Fatory Commission yesterday.
"Moreover, it is arfficult to pre- The position of the shelters in maintained came. only within the Phargany, resulting in the damage Gen, Rowan-Robinson said that ment, Gen. Decoux declared that shops
competence of the Home Govern-of about 80 houses and fodderdict where this conflict in Europe London at the present moment was may spread," added Prince incomparably better than was at In the Home Guard a plutoon con- Indo-China would execute loyally
Konove. "In view of the rapidly the beginning of this year. sisted of thirty men in a hamlet the recent agreements concluded | and 200 in a large village. The between France and Japan. Home Guard did not man obser-
Sir Frederick suggested that vletory depended not so much on the advantages which one party had over the uther, but on the determination to de- feat and conquer the enemy. He inquired how the Home Guard was being trained and organised to carry out their dutles.
vation posts and training was car- ried out three evenings a week, with field exercises on Sundays,
COSTLY ATTACK ON BRITISH SHIPPING CAIRO, July 31 (enter) — A
The Home Guard was under the German dive-bombing attack on direct order of the army. In fact British shipping off the coast
It was the army's eyes and ears.
""
"IF WAR SHOULD COME TO N.E.I...' LONDON, July 31
(Reuter
of Cyrenaica, North Africa, on By the information they give and "Should circumstances arise owing
Tuesday was driven off by RAF the delay they impose on
the
to the geographical situation of
Aghters which shot down Six enemy, they would give the army the Netherland East Indies, to
enemy planes, according
to an commander time to execute his force a fight upon us, there is nu
R.A.F. Middle East communique. plans. The Home Guard was al-doubt whatsoever that we would.
A strong formation of
and two fighters were down.
Junkers ways under military law.
world
with our Alles, accept that fight" 87's, escorted by Messerschmitts.. Gen Rowan-Robinson declared
declared Queen Wilhelmina of made the attack. Four bombers that army discipline was followed Holland in a special broadcast to
brought at all times and there was a net-her subjects, all over the
work of the Home Guard through- last night, that out the country.
Adding that she did not forget her peoples in the western hemi- Sir Frederick: What about in- sphere to whom the torch or war at first thought. Both at Catanta vasion by sea? Are they expected could bring its horrors, she knew and Borizzio, the number of badly to meet invasion by sea as well as the army and the navy to bear the that an appeal to their peoples, damaged aircraft is greater than the landing by parachute troops?! originally reported and the num-
Gen. Rowan-Robinson said that sacrifices would not be in vain.
In
Reconnaissance has shown Monday's ralds on aerodromes Belly were more successful than)
INVASION BY SEA
ber of planes confirmed to have they were expected to share the been destroyed during the sweep defence in their own way with the has risen to 36 with the knowledge regular units. that six, not four, fighters were Sir Frederick: I suppose they destroyed at Catania.
The communique also reports the dropping of some ten tons of bombs on the quay and shipping ut Benghazi during the raid on Monday night by R. A. F. bombers.
heavy
Two R.AF, planer are missing from the latest operations."
CONSTITUTION
OF CEYLON
ROYAL MARINES
were mainly meant to meet in- CONGRATULATED
vasion by parachutists?
Gen. Rowan-Robinson: As a matter of fact it all depends where they are stationed. I there is a unit along the coast, naturally they will play their part in a sea invasion.
Italian Attack On
Valetta Harbour
LONDON, July 31 (Reuter)
fire in
2
41 DROWNED JUBBULPORE, July 31 (Reuter) Forty-one were reported drowned when a country boat, ferrying 60 passengers across the River Ner- budda near Onkareshwar, was dashed against a rock and split.
DUKE OF KENT FETED
SOVIET-POLISH changing world situation.everyone There was now sleeping accom AGREEMENT
jin Japan must always be prepared įmodation in the London region
shelters for 1,277,000 and for 3,495, IS WELCOMED
IN LONDON
to meet the worst.
"The Government 18 doing 000 in domestic sheltera. everything within
to its power
In the tubes where there were mobilise the country's resources 23,000 bunks, a gradua) decline. In and man-power to meet any the number of persons using them LONDON, July 31 (Reuter) situation that may arise in the as shelters had been noticed and It is emphasised here that the Bo- future."
the last census showed there were viet-Polish Agreement implies a Prince Konoye urged members 26,000 people using them the general recognition of the over- of the Commission to study all lowest since th ehery raiding began riding common interest and neces- problems in bringing about the PLANS FOR CANTEENS alty in collaborating in the de speedy carrying out of all Govern ment mobilisation plans.
Mr. Key added that with a few feat of the Germans.
This important feature has been exceptiona. the local authorities
BEGINNING FIRST
had now completed plans for pro-recognised both by the Foles and PART OF TOUR
JAPANESE TROOPS
Russians, viding canteens in shelters holding 200 persons or more and for the FOR MANCHURIA
It is pointed out that Russians OTTAWA, July 31 (Reuter). The
Installation of power points in all and Poles are both Britain's allies Duke of Kent was the guest of CHUNGKING, July 31 (Reuter) shelters regularly used by 50 or and the Polish Force is an in- honour of Mr. Mackenzie King, the-Large bodies of Japanese troops more persons.
tegral part of the British forces. Canadian Prime Minister, at a are being transferred from North
There were 188 medical ald posts
Without this treaty: it would be dinner given in his honour on China to Manchuria as a "preceu in large shelters and 69 serving possible to visualise a situation in wednesday night. Western Canada on the first part border, according to
tionary measure" against s possi-groups of smaller shelters. Twenty- which an Anglo-Russian force col- Before leaving on Sunday for ble emergency on the Soviet four Welfare Councils or Commitlaborated in operation and Poles. foreign tees had been set up and more might also be engaged in the of his tour of inspection, the Duke report from Tientsin,
were being formed,
operation without being allies of will visit Canadian Air Force sta- The report states that the Jap-| Sanction had been given for the the Russians. tions at Trention and Camp Bor- anese intended to dispatch some appointment of a number of shel. That possibility is now definite- len, in Ontario.
400,000 men to strengthen theirter welfare officers, There will be no public function defence in Manchuria but so far during the Duke's visit to Canada. they have been able only to send
After Western Canada the Duke 100,000. The transfer usually takes KEITEL'S SON KILLED terest the defeat of Germany-... will make a tour of inspection of place in the night in order to es- Eastern Canada..
leape pubile notice
JAPAN
В
WEAKEST LINK IN AXIS CHAIN
CHUNGKING, Aug. 1 (Router)-The firm friendship and cul-
ly removed.
There is also a genuine hope: that in pursuing their common in-
much of the trouble and bitter- IN ACTION
ness of the past may be washed. LONDON," July 31 (Reuteront and a solution of problems The death of Lieutenant Han stily to be considered will become Georg Keitel, youngest son of easter and be conducted in Field-Marshal Kottel, Chief of happier atmosphere. the German General Staff, is a nounced by the German agency.
newa
Lt. Keitel, who served with an artillery regiment, was killed th
NO U.S. SOLDIERS
PERU-ECUADOR HOSTILITIES
Gen: Rowan-Robinson said that The break-up of the Italian "mya- what the Home Guard was expect-tery. boat" attack on Valetta har- ed to do in a parachute invasion bour (Malta) is the subject of, & was to dash out, try to shoot down telegram of congratulations from the parachutists as they came float- the Chief of the British Imperial tural understanding between Britain and Chins will not only ensure ing down or capture them when they General Staff Sir John Dill, to the close co-operation between them during the present world crisis, but the fighting on the eastern front. landed. If equipment came down commander-in-Chief LONDON, July 31 (Reuter)” —
separately, it was their duty to get deut-General Sir William Dobble.
of Malta, will also play an important role in post war reconstruction," de-" The Under-Secretary of State for hold of this as soon as they had
WASHINGTON, July 31 (Reuter) claród DE, QUO TAI-OBI, Foreign Minister, in a speech Tast night Colonies was questioned in the captured the men.
Mr. Sumner Welles, Acting Be- General Dill states: "Please con- before the Sino-British Cultural Association, Parachutists House of Commons yesterday re-normally dame down close to voy my congratulations to all
cretary of State, announced "yes- respect gether.
After expressing the gratification (political, strategical and 'moral ro- garding the position in
ranks of the Royal Marine artillery of the Chinese Government and percussions throughout the world
IN EGYPT terday that cessation of hostilities to discussion for chatiges in the
benrenn Peru and Ecuador might Sir Frederick: What would you manning the fixed defences on their people at the economic measures will be very imporsaur, sundakh- constitution of Ceylon,
LONDON, July 31 (Router)-It to be expected in the immediate fu- say was the most dificult task of great success in breaking up a de- taken against Japan by the Britory," the learned here that there is no truth ture It was stated that the Secretary the Home Guard?
termined enemy sen-borne attack tish Empire, Dr. Quo said no bellev- of State is still in consultation
Dr. Quo revealed that prior to in the rumour that 20,000. Amor. He said that indications yester- Gen. Rowan Robinson: I should on the grand harbour. The actioned that "Japan in the weakest link his departure from London, he re- can soldiers are already in Egypt, day morning save hope of a promt with the Governor and that the say that the greatest reponsibility of those gunners has excited unt-in the Axis chain, and by closer ceived a letter from Mr. RA. But The only, American service par- solution of the dispute. Bocrotary of State was not yet is the road block which might pro- versay admiration here in the collaboration among Britain, the ler urging the former to continue connel in Egypt are a few obser will be remembered that in a position to say what the out-vent their moving quickly from United Kingdom, The skilt and United States and China in the the work for the promotion overs there in connexion with the fighting has continuou on the come would be or what progress one point to another through a determination shown by them will Pacido, Japan can first be defeat-cultural relations between Britain considerable deliveries of oquip Peru-Bounder - Tranter would become practicable during road being closed on orders from act as a strong deterrent to future ed as an example to the rother and Chins after his return 96ment now taking place in the Mid- Arm the continuance of the war. high offatale...
enemy attacks by sea.!!"
Axis Powers, and the consequent | China.
die Mast.
Saturd