straits. The ports on the W. Sumatran coast are occasionally visited by surface warships from this force. Japanese reactions to our assault on Simalur. Land Forces. 9. The Japanese will probably take immediate steps with their local resources in an attempt to prevent the Allies capturing the island or to harass the allies in their development of the island as a base, by taking up to one regiment from the division in the Padang Fort de Kock area in order to reinforce the island. It is unlikely that more than one regiment would be used, as the Japanese will appreciate that the Allies may make further landings in Sumatra and will wish to keep forces available to deal with them.