PERIL TO BRITISH

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26262, 6 November 1950, Page 7

PERIL TO BRITISH

Chinese Push In Korea

(NX Ptms (Rec. 12.30 a.m.) SEOUL, November 5. Waves of troop*, reported to be in the field dress of the Chinese Communist Army, attacked and infiltrated the keystone of the United Nations defence line in north-west Korea to-day, and the British Commonwealth Brigade—holding positions round Pakchon—is in danger of being cut off north of the Chongchon river. Front-line reports say that the Chinese troops drove a wedge between the British flank and elements of the American 24th Division south-east of Pakchon. The enemy forces pushed to within three miles of the only bridge spanning the Chongchon river at Anju. Air observers said that the infiltrating forces slipped through the defending British Commonwealth brigade and succeeded in working to the north bank of the river. A United States Bth Army spokesman said the first assault waves were dressed in blue uniforms—presumably these of special elite shock troops. Succeeding waves wore the regular field dress of the Chinese Communist Army.

The enemy was brought under Allied air attack and artillery fire this afternoon.

Elements of the 24th division meanwhile tried to clear an escape route for the British Brigade.

A Ist Corps spokesman said the British might be able to pull out southward along the Taeryong river. “If they don't, it looks like tney will be cut off.”

However, Ist Corps officers say that the British are still not consgiered trapped, although their normal escape route across the Chongchon river has been occupied by the enemy drive.