Singapore, Apr. 29. TAPEN. may speed her southern push. programme and attack Malaya because of the possibility of United States intervention in the Pacific, Lieutenant General L. V. Bond, General Officer Commanding in Malaya, told the United Press yesterday in an exclusive interview. The threat of an invasion of Malaya definite~ ly exists, Gen, Bond said.
Because Japan's policy appears to parallel that of the Axis, Gen. Bond said, Ttalo-German successes in. the Balkans might presage a new Japan ese move southward.
"The General also pointed out that reports from Tokyo showed renewed Tapanese press attacks on French Indo-China. He discounted the importance of the Russo-Japanese neutrality pact, remarking "Rust had a non.aggression pact with Fine and, you know?
"The threat of invasion of Malaya definitely "exists," Gen, Bond said, "Tt would be foolish fo think otherwise"
The possibility of United States aval Intervention might prove a_de-torrent to an invasion by sea, Gen. Bond said, "however, the most recent and definite indications of Amer-can Intervention both in the Atlantic and the Pacific might prompt Japan fo act more quickly...., Although it seems that they may' have waited now until it is a bit late."
Gen, Bond expressed strong con. Adence in the ability of Imperial forees to defend the entire Malay peninsula, "He also disclosed that he will leave soon to accept an appointment in the United Kingdom, Gen, Bond's suc gesser, Major-General A. E, Percival, former General Officer Commanding Malaya, from 1936 to 1998, hay not yet arrived here, "Two years ago Singapore and only Was garrisoned," he said, "Now we have troops. throughout the peninsula,.We no longer think we are defending the island on} Questioned regarding additional re~ Inforeements, Gen. Bond said that. it More U.S. Airmen, Planes in Manila Manila. Apr. 29.
Eight aviators and four light bombers assigned to duty with the Philippine Department of the US. Army" arrived here. today aboard the freighter s. Steel Mariner strom Honolulu, The bombers comprised the first contingent of new craft which, it was understood, would arrive in nereasing quantities during the next ce months.
Meanwhile, it was learned from reliable naval quarters that a steady stream of long range patrol bombers was reaching Singapore via three routes—the trans-Pacific route via Manila, also via Guar and the Netherlands East Indies and via Centon Island New Caledonia. Aus-{relia and the NET.
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