CHINA’S GREAT TASK

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 June 1942, Page 6

CHINA’S GREAT TASK

JAP. NEW OFFENSIVES. CHUNGKING, June 2. Fierce fighting is raging on three fronts in China. The Japanese today initiated two new offensives, and continued to make progress in the third, in Chekiang. Suddenly assuming the nature of a real threat, the Japanese thrust from Nanchang was aimed, south and east along the Kiangsi-Chekiang railway. Thus, with two claws, ,the Japanese are attempting to pinch off a large piece of eastern China. Chinese troops resisted stubbornly and inflicted heavy casualties everywhere, but scored their chief successes in Chekiang, recapturing five towfis, Showchang, Shakichen, and Yungkang (35 miles south-east of Kinhwa), and Paishapu and Kenglouchen (both south of Showchang ;p The Japanese are making strenuous efforts to capture the aerodrome at Chusien, 50 miles west of Kinhwa. From this aerodrome bombers could raid Japan. The Chinese are holding the main Japanese thrust in this area. FIGHT FOR RAILWAY.

(Reed. 1.45 p.m.) CHUNGKING, June 3

The fate of the important railway centre of Chuhsien hung precariously in the balance, to-night, says the Associated Press, as the Japanese developed their attack in force, closing in on three sides upon the fierce-ly-resisting Chinese garrison. In Kiangsi, the Japanese are attacking from the Nanchang rail terminus, in an attempt to cut off the Chuhsien sector. They were repulsed for the second consecutive day. Japanese forces which landed near Tuchang, on the eastern shore of Poyang Lake, also met with stiff resistance. The Chinese claimed that they sank 40 to 50 launches packed with Japanese soldiers. The Japanese also attempted to gain another foothold in south-east-ern Chekiang, by landing under cover of gunboats along the coast northward of Wenchow, near Yuhwan Island, but withdrew after heavy losses. The Chinese hold the initiative in Hupeh Province. R.A.F. ATTACK. RUGBY. June 3. The R.A.F. bombed and machinegunned Oyster Island, off Akyab, yesterday, states a New Delhi communique, which adds: Enemy objectives were hit, and bombs were seen to burst, south of the city and lear the lighthouse. A low-level attack was made, and hits were scored on the lighthouse. All our aircraft ■eturned safely. CHINESE FROM BURMA. (Recd. Noon.) LONDON, June 3. A New Delhi message says: Part of the Chinese Burma expeditionary force has reached India. Another large part of the force has reached China. The Chinese who came to India fought a memorable rearguard action as the British withdrew from central Burma. After being re-cqulp-ped they will probably be sent back, to assist to prevent the Japanese entering India.

AID TO CHINA

RUGBY, June 3

Replying to a Commons question, on the assistance- now being given to China, the Foreign Secretary said that he was sure the Government and country realised the part that China was playing in the ranks of the United Nations, and the need for giving ner all possible assistance. China was being furnished under the leaselencl arrangement made by Britain and the United States, with all munitions of war and military equipment 'which it was possible to supply having regard to other urgent requirements and difficulties of transport. Allocation of these munitions was made from a common pool by the Combined Munitions Assignment Board. The Chinese troops had contributed very materially to the delaying action in Burma, and good feeling and a spirit of co-operation were shown whenever they were side by side with the British Jorces. CHINESE CRITICISM. (Rec. 1.45 p.m.) NEW YORK, June 3. The “Sun” says: In a special interview, to-day. General Hsiung Shihfei declared that he arrived two months ago, as the personal representative of Marshal Chiang Kai-shek, to spent: for China at General Staff conferences on Allied grand strategy, but so far he had not heard any discussion on grand strategy, and the question of an over-all command of Allied operations was no nearer settlement. It was his profound belief that these questions were most-important factors in winning the struggle against the Axis. Until they were realised, he could see no hope of winning the war. General Hsiung is gravely concerned at the present happenings in China. He said that the situation was the most perilous since the beginning of the China war. The interviewer said that, while the General would not say so bluntly, it was obvious, in speaking with him, that China was vastly disappointed with her allies. Her faith in them is seriously shaken, and consequently China’s confidence is impaired.

JAPANESE AND PRISONERS

RUGBY. June 3

No further official information has been received upon the treatment of Imperial prisoners of war in Japanese hands. News from other sources, however, suggests that the conditions have improved, and that at Hong Kong the prisoners are receiving more-humane treatment and better food. They arc being given pay. At Singapore, they are reported to be housed in good barracks, in a healthy part of the island. A water supply is said again to be available, and there is sufficient food for the present. The Japanese officer in charge is reported to be a Christian, educated in England, and his attitude is sympathetic.