STAND AT MOULMEIN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 87, 23 January 1942, Page 4

STAND AT MOULMEIN.

THE DEFENDERS OF BURMA. EXPECTATION OF AN ATTACK.

(Rec. 2.5 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 21. While it is officially stated in Rangoon that new Japanese thrusts into Burma, are expected almost certainly within the next 10 days a correspondent reports that preparations are being made for a British stand at Moulmein. Besides the Thai troops in the Miyawaddy area the Thailanders are engaged in South Burma and other parts of the frontier. A Burmese official said: “If the Thailanders are allowing their army to attack Burma in addition to leasing territory to Japan it is time we ceased to entertain hope of finding honour in Thailand. Thailand’s co-operation with the Japanese forces has caused widespread anger.” A Rangoon communique states that effectively supported by the Royal Air Force our troops have given a good account of themselves in the Kawareik area, causing the enemy heavy casualties and stopping him wherever they have met him. CLAIMS BY THE JAPANESE. (Ree. 2.5.) BERLIN, January 22. The radio quoted a. Tokio claim that Japanese forces have crossed the Slaween River, on the Burma-Thai border, thus creating a third front and aiming to cut the Burma road. The Japanese are now threatening Moulmoin from three sides.