INVASION OF FORMOSA

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 150, 11 April 1950, Page 3

INVASION OF FORMOSA

VIEWS OF OBSERVERS HONG KONG, Apcil 10. Some observers think that a strong Communist assault may be made on Hainan Island (also held by the Nationalists) as a diversionary move aimed at dispersing the Nationalist fenders.Failure to carry through the invasion of Formosa soon might be disastrous for the Communists, who according to many accounts, are gravely disturbed by the weakening morale on the mainland and the huge costs involved in keeping millions of men under arms.

The Nationalists’ Central News Agency reported to-day that another Communist attempt to land on the northern parts of Hainan Island had been repulsed. The Communists used an invasion fleet of 20 vessels 'which were by heavy fire from Nationalist land and sea forces. Thirteen Communist vessels were sunk and the remainder retreated with the Nationalist Navy in pursuit. The official Communist news agency has admitted growing dissatisfa’ction among the population of central and south China as a result of prevailing conditions. The agency quoted Mr Tan Cheng, a member of the Central and South China Military and Administrative Commission, as emphasising the danger of civil disturbances “fanned by Kuomintang bandits.” Mr Tan said that dissatisfaction was caused by inflationary tendencies, economic difficulties, famine, and the general retardation of spring sowings. He added that the growing guerilla menace must be eradicated and that the Communist armed forces must redouble their preparations for a major invasion of Hainan Island.