JAPS. REAWAKEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 34, 10 February 1939, Page 7

JAPS. REAWAKEN.

CONFLICT IN CHINA. Fresh Major Operations Begun. SOME SETBACKS RECEIVED. United t'ross Association.—Copyright. (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, February 9. The concentration of Japanese warships and transports in tl'.c vicinity of Pakhoi, including the flagship Idumo, suggests that the next major operation will be an invasion oil the Kwungtiing coast. Airmen have begun an intensive bombardment of l'akhoi, for the now air base on. Kwcichow Island, which was captured last week. The west end of the city was set on lire. Casualties were small because 20,000 had evacuated to the country. The withdrawal of large numbers of Japanese troops from the war zones is regarded as most significant. This is as a result of the Chinese irregulars recapturing several centres lit- the Canton area. A message from I'ckiug says General Sugiyaua began the first major operations sinre he assumed command at the end of last year, making an attempt to control Central Hopei Province, efforts to subdue which have been repelled throughout the year. He claims the capture of Ankuo, an important guerilla centre. It is claimed at Tokyo that 17,000 Chinese were killed and uoo .taken, prisoner in January as a result of the Japanese drive against the North China guerilla forces. The Japanese losses were 116 killed and 353 wounded. •