THREAT TO RANGOON

Grey River Argus, 24 February 1942, Page 5

THREAT TO RANGOON

GROWING HOURLY i Demolition Plan [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.J (R ee. 9.35). LONDON, February 23. The threat to Rangoon is hourly increasing in gravity,” says the Daily Express” Mandalay correspondent. The Burma Government is moving' northwards from Rangoon. The evacuation plans provide that only demolition squads and the army are to remain in Rangoon. If necessary, the most complete scorched earfh activity outside Russia will be undertaken in Rangoon. Though Rangoon’s situation is serious, it is not yet irretrievable. The morale of the troops has not diminished as they fall back closer to the Sittang River. This is the last natural defence line covering the Burma-China route. Bilin Operations 8.0.W. RUGBY. February 22. Authoratitive reports from Burma indicate that heavy fighting is still going on behind the Bilin River. The Jananese claim to have reached Pegu (north of Rangoon). ■ This claim is regarded in London as utterly unfounded. It is recalled that the Japanese have previously announced the capture of places from which their troops wer c some distance away, as, for instance, the Johore Causeway. The Rangoon radio announces: Fighting continues between the Sittang and Bilin Rivers. Our troops are still inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Allied aircraft are active over the front line, giving powerful support to the ground forces. Japanese bombers raided Mamymo in central Burma causing slight damage.