War items. 1941-12-13.

Rights Information
Year
1941
Reference
177329
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1941
Reference
177329
Media type
Audio
Series
D series, ca. 1935-1950s.
Categories
Radio programs
Sound recordings
War radio programs
Duration
00:12:25
Credits
RNZ Collection
Murray, Allan, Reporter
New Zealand. National Broadcasting Service (estab. 1936, closed 1946), Broadcaster

Reports recorded from shortwave radio broadcasts [probably from the BBC in London] on developments in the week following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour and entry into the war in the Pacific.

Side 1:
(1) London’s response to the Pacific crisis, Part 2: An American broadcaster introduces a report by Alan Bell on the strength and structure of the Japanese Navy. He then introduces Ronald Walker, air correspondent of the London News Chronicle who comments on how the Japanese have obviously studied Britain's air attack strategies in their attack on Pearl Harbour.
(2) The Netherlands East Indies. An American broadcaster introduces an item about the Japanese threat posed to the Netherlands East Indies [Indonesia]. A report by an unidentified Dutch man follows. He optimistically reports on preparations to defend against any Japanese advance. The Dutch Navy is well-equipped and has two bases at Surabaya and another in the Moluccas. There is a large well-trained militia with native conscription recently instituted. The natives have been extremely loyal to the Dutch cause and the Queen. Aerodromes have been built all over the archipelago, hidden in the jungle.
Japanese residents remaining in the country have been interned following Japan's assaults on America and Malaya.

Side 2:
(1) A description of General Neil Ritchie - Major Allan Murray, will command the 8th army in Libya. Describes his career, skills as army commander.
(2) An unidentified announcer presents BBC news headlines at 4:30pm: Why the Germans are so quiet about Rostov who are expected to seize highly valued lubrication oils in Bakuu. Another reporter describes a raid on north west Germany, a battle between Indian and Japanese forces, the surrender of Thailand, American forces repelling the Japan at the Philippines and German losses in Moscow.