FAR EAST WAR

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 March 1943, Page 5

FAR EAST WAR

BOMBINGS in BURMA ~RUGBY, March 8. 'ie? rrl in low-level attacks before and a ter the bombing. Other fighters carlied out offensive patrols chiefly ove the Akyab area. From these and ornrn operations, one of our is missing. 'Enemy aircraft were over the Rathedaung area but no eport of casualties or damage has been received. AMERICAN SUCCESSES RUGBY, March 8. A United States communique issued at New Delhi, states: Three Japanese merchant ships in tlu- R-. goon River were sunk 01 damaged by American bombers. A icargo vessel, which was sunk, is resting on the riverbed. On Saturday, two other enemy ships in the river received hit? The first ship, 400 leet long, received two direct hits, and a heavy cloud of smoke rose. The second ol 300 feet received near hiiS, Un tne saffie day, docks at loulmem received a low-level attack and large Ines were started at several points, lhe lighthouse, radio station and airfield were all bombed. Myitinge bridge was also bombed and Its approacnes i destroyed. All our aircraft returned. JAPANESE RETREAT i (Recd. 10 a.m.), CHINGKING, Mar. 8. Japanese troops on the west bank of the Salween have begun a general retreat. The Chinese have recovered many strategic points, says the Central News. Fifteen hundred Japanese were killed during the mopping up operations south-west of Nanchang. Enemy stragglers in this area were completely wiped out. MORE JAP. DEFEATS (Recd. 2 p.m.) L’ONDON, March 9. A Chungking report says: The Chinese inflicted heavy losses on enemy troops driving towards Nanpangho from Mengting. A communique says that the remnants are retreating towards Kinglong. A Japanese column is now advancing from Myitkyina, Northern Burma, in the attempt to outflank the Chinese. The Chinese have recaptured all points on the east bank of the Lungchaun River, north of Chaokungfang.

RATIONING MEASURES

CHUNGKING, March 7

Strict rationing of meat, sugar, and cooking oil will be instituted in Chungking next Monday. The measure is part of the Chinese Govern-

ment’s fight against mounting prices. Simple meals at fixed prices will replace elaborate restaurant menus. Pork can be sold only on one day in five. The sale of all luxuries is forbidden. . . , . Drastic penalties are provided lor the infringement of laws designed to improve social morale. Card-playing, which is practically the foreigner’s only amusement, becomes a penal offence. Permanent waves are forbidden.