OPTIMISM IN CHINA

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 305, 20 September 1943, Page 5

OPTIMISM IN CHINA

Ability To Regain Lost Territory (Received -September 19, 8.10 p.m.) CHUNGKING, September 18. “China is more confident, than ever of her ability to regain all the lost northeastern territory, and will begrudge no sacrifice the consummation such a task might entail,” said General Chiang Kaishek, when opening the fourth plenary session of the People’s Political Council on the twelfth anniversary of the Mukden incident. General Chiang Kai-shek said China’s sacred resistance would not end till the lost north-eastern territory was fully recovered, and the liberty of their fellowcountrymen regained. The present military developments were bringing closer the attainment of that aim. The improved Mediterranean situation had considerably shortened the Allies’ route for the movement of troops and supplies and additional Allied naval forces could now be made available for the Far East.

“Broadly speaking, the capitulation of the Italian Navy determined Japan’s ultimate doom. China’s resistance for more ■than six years on a 4000-kilometre front had immobilized more than 30 enemy divijons. .Now the time has come to co-or-dinate efforts with the Allies launching on all fronts a counter-offensive for bringing the fight to a successful, conclusion.” Spirit of Co-operation.

Relations with Britain, the United States, Russia aud other United Nations would bo placed on a closer aud more solid basis. An over-growing spirit of co-operation and mutual helpfulness was specially evident in the co-ordination of the war efforts. The Generalissimo added: “In this war we can surely win both a complete victory and a lasting peace. Of this there is no doubt, but the closer China approaches final victory the heavier will be the burden. It is imperative that ail citizens should loyally exert themselves to the utmost so that ultimate triumph can be achieved.”

The Chinese military spokesman said the Japanese, fearing an imminent Allied offensive against Burma, had rushed eight battalions, about 7000 men, to the Arakan district in the Bay of Bengal. They were also pouring supplies into the Salween front bordering Yunnan province. He added that the Japanese were enlarging their air bases at Mandalay and Aitkyino for attacks against the air supply route between Chiun aud India.