Cite: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8240009

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240 DEATHS IN FIRST

DARWIN RAID

Only 15 in Town

In the first Japanese air raid on Darwin on February 10 the number killed on land, sea and air did not exceed 240, and this number may be reduced when further information is received Deaths lu the town num- bered only 15

This information Is contained in a report received by Mr Curtin, Prime Minister, from Mr Justice Lowe, who was appointed by the Government to inqulic into many aspects of the

raid

Although Mr Justice Lowe has furnished his report to the Govern- ment ho has not returned his com- mission It was explained jestorday that His Honour intended to submit an addendum to the report In light of information made available re- cently

Mr Curtin said yesterday that the íeport was very comprehensive and dealt with many matters which could not be made public The figure of 240 would not be increased, but might be reduced when certain w atcrslde workers had communicated with the Railways Commissioner or shipping agents who had cmplojcd

them

4 Interests of security prevented me stating previously tile number killed or drowned in the harbour and on the wharves," bald Mr Curtin ' That Information with the shipping losses, constituted information which the enemy would have valued had It been made public immediately

The damage to the town itself was small There is no reason to suspect espionage as a cause of the raid lhere was none The Government appreciates the promptness of his Honour s report Urgent Interim re- ports leeched proved of great value and the Government has already taken action on general aspects

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