SUPPORT GIVEN BY CHINESE

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 175, 21 April 1942, Page 5

SUPPORT GIVEN BY CHINESE

Irrawaddy Defence BRITISH TANKS AGAIN EFFECTIVE LONDON, April 20. Today’s Burma communique says that British tanks have mopped up the enemy troops who pushed through our lines north of the Yenangyaung oilfield. Yesterday’s communique had reported the clearing of road blocks which were established by this Japanese force. It was announced yesterday that in fierce fighting which was continuing in the area of Pinehaung, Burmese troops had fought with particular gallantry. Chinese forces were now operating with our troops on the Irrawaddy front. Enemy air attacks were heavy over the area on Saturday. Magwe was attacked b.v R.A.F. bombers. A report from the Chinese Expeditionary Force stated that Chinese guerrillas raided Tongy, live miles south-west of Swa, on Wednesday, killing 200 Japanese. The Chinese losses were four killed. Mandalay Road Battle. A Chungking communique said Hint Chinese forces were engaging the enemy in the vicinity of Ela, 50 miles north of Toungoo. There was no change on the Salween front, where the Chinese had halted the Japanese drive toward Loiknw.

It is authoritatively stated in London that the British forces are definitely not withdrawing from Burma. [The “Daily Mail’s” Calcutta correspondent earlier said it was believed that the battered British laiuf forces, after their four months’ gallant retreating battle, would soon have to be restored an'd refitted, being replaced by more troops from China.]