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Available Japanese Forces.
At present Japanese forces in the South China area are distributed
as follows:-
Indo-China-Central Thailand: 4 Divisions, 1 Mechanised Brigade. Southern Thailand-Malaya: 2 Divisions.
Canton Area: 3 Divisions, 1 Tank Battalion.
Hainan 2 Divisions.
Formosa: 3 Divisions, 1 Tank Battalion.
The operations in South Thailand and Malaya can be supported by three or four divisions from Hainan and Formosa, and in addition a further twelve divisions from Central and Northern China and Japan can be made available for operations in the South or elsewhere. There are also indications that an expedition has been prepared in Japan for action either against the Philippines or the Netherland East Indies. This expedition would not affect present dispositions in the South, which, apart from those forces in the Canton area and North Indo-China, are probably directed against Malaya.
40. The Japanese forces which invaded Thailand probably consisted of two divisions and a mechanised brigade. Advanced elements of these forces entered Bangkok at 1000 on the 9th December, 1941. These forces may now be used to reinforce the divisions attacking Northern Malaya.
It is estimated that a force of approximately one division has landed in the Singora-Patani-Kota Bharu area, where it appears to be making some progress. Another division is reported to have landed at Nakawn Sri Tamarat. These divisions are probably the advance guard of a force to be concentrated in the Singora area for an attack on the West coast of Malaya as soon as preparations are complete. There are also indications that part of another division has landed at Prachuab Khirikun. This may constitute a threat to Mergui.
It is possible that some of the divisions from Hainan and Formosa are now on their way South and may be used to carry out further operations on the East coast of Malaya.
Western Pacific.
41. Ocean Island and Nauru have been subjected to aerial bombardment, and Japanese have landed on the latter Island. Phosphate plants in both places have been demolished according to plan.
Burma.
42. The second flight of 16th Indian Infantry Brigade has left India for Rangoon.
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General Review.
AIR SITUATION.
43. Operations against targets in Germany and occupied territory were again considerably restricted by bad weather, but several successful attacks were made against enemy shipping in Home Waters.
Enemy activity against this country remained at a low level.
In Libya our day and night bombers contributed materially to the success of our operations, and our fighters destroyed many enemy dive-bombers.
We were compelled to abandon some of our aerodromes in Northern Malaya..
Germany and Occupied Territory.
Day.
44. Bomber Command despatched 20 sorties and Fighter Command flew 228 sorties over occupied territory and against shipping. Attacks on shipping are reported under "Coastal Operations."
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