Brooklyn Eagle (December 7, 1941)
Manila ‘danger zones’ cleared for hostilities
Manila, Dec. 7 (UP) –
The Far East battened down today for the war that appeared imminent.
The Philippines government ordered immediate evacuation of Manila “danger zones.” All navy, air and army personnel at Singapore, bastion of South Pacific defense, were suddenly recalled to stations and ordered to stand by on a war footing. Australian forces stood at their war posts.
A British officer at Singapore, recalled to his ship after being ashore for the first time in weeks, expressed the sentiment that was on almost every tongue in the Great Pacific centers of Manila, Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Batavia and Bangkok. He said:
Now, I suppose, we are going to fight Japan.
Feel explosion near
The storm signals were up and feeling was universal that the weekend had brought the Pacific close to an explosion.
Reports from the key centers told this story:
Singapore
All defenses placed on full war footing. Volunteers called up to defense posts. Fleet units full manned with all officers and ratings at their posts. Air bases and coastal guns on the alert. All non-British subjects suddenly prohibited from leaving Malaya, including 20 Japanese already aboard a Thai ship. “Surprising revelations” predicted of Japanese activities, possibly involving consulates.
MacArthur confers with Quezon
Manila
Cabinet meeting with President Manuel Quezon at Baguio orders Manila “danger zones” evacuated; urges all persons with homes in provinces to return immediately; Lt. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Commander-in-Chief of U.S. armed forces in the Far East, leaves for consultation with Quezon on emergency plans.
Bangkok
Plans completed to remove capital in event of war; public warned to store kerosene and water in event of war shortage; instructions given for guerilla war and sabotage in event of invasion.
Melbourne
Hopes for peace in Pacific ebb; Christmas leaves of armed forces cancelled; all Australian forces stand by at war posts to aid in defense of Dutch East Indies; Australian convoy of key Far East routes ready for operation.
Batavia
Officials stand by for weekend; watch possible Japanese threat from Portuguese Timor.
Shanghai
Concern mounts over drastic food shortage due to war crisis.
Urges residents to flee Manila
Quezon issued an immediate appeal to those persons able to leave Manila to go to the provinces as fast as they can wind up their business. The formal evacuation contemplates removing all non-essential civilians to special evacuation centers.
The Cabinet cancelled elaborate plans for Quezon’s inaugural Dec. 30. There will be no parade, reception or fireworks. Instead, Quezon will take the oath in a simple ceremony.
A decision on closing Philippine schools will be made later after Quezon confers with MacArthur.