HELD IN CHECK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21065, 9 April 1943, Page 4

HELD IN CHECK

JAPANESE IN BURMA

BRITISH FORCES’ SUCCESS PUSH ON INDIA UNLIKELY (10.30. a.m.) LONDON, April 8. Although some aspects or the British campaign in the Arakan district of Burma arc disappointing the British Army succeeded m accomplishing. their main objectives, first, of containing the Japanese forces in Burma; secondly, preventing the Japanese’ from consolidating their positions and using Arakan as a springboard for an attack against India; and, thirdly, neutralising Akyab as an air base or supply base for the ••npaneso to attack India, says a British United correspondent at New Delhi. Bo adds that tho object of the armed forces of India is to defend the country- until the Allies are ready 'to retake Burma. . The British and Imperial lorees, despite recent setbacks, are still fighting well inside Burma. Iho Japanese may attempt to gain local successes before the monsoon breaks, but. it will be too late for a largescale Japanese invasion of India, via Arakan. ' ... , , A small battle between British and Japanese patrols was fought near the 'Assani-Burina border on Tuesday, the objective- being the possession of fit) elephants. Neither side gained the prize as the, noise of the -firing stampeded the elephants, wliieh lied into the jungle. The Japanese, however, came oil second best as a squadron of American bombers found them and shot them up.