RED ARMY THROUGH MASSIVE DEFENCE LINE

Evening Star, Issue 25565, 18 August 1945, Page 7

RED ARMY THROUGH MASSIVE DEFENCE LINE

.(Rec. 12.50 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 17. Although tho situation on the Manchurian front is obscure, the Red army is reported to be fighting on, and has broken through the first massive line of Japanese fortifications, reports Renter's Moscow correspondent. It is believed that the Japanese will carry out the surrender order, but it is unlikely' to be co-ordinated, and more stiff fighting is expected. During a thunder storm General Meretskov'e troops broke the first line of Japanese fortifications along the frontier of the maritime province and fought their way into a defence belt 120 miles in depth. The Japanese had apparently built this defence zone as a jump-

ing off base for assault against

the maritime province. The Red army captured at Mapu documents indicating that Japanese plans were fully prepared for an attack against Vladivostok. Enormous quantities of material and ammunition were found. Moscow radio, commenting on the Far East situation, declared that it appeared that the Japanese Emperor's proclamation of surrender was merely a declaration of words. The Japanese were still fighting and had not been ordered to quit.