JAP. OFFENSIVE

Grey River Argus, 5 June 1942, Page 3

JAP. OFFENSIVE

IN S.E. CHINA

Closing on Important

’Drome

[Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn? LONDON, June 3.

In the offensive in Chekiang province of China, south of Shanghai, the Japanese are making strenuous eiforts to capture the aerodrome at Chusien, 50 miles west of Kinhwa. From this aerodrome bombers could raid Japan. The Chinese are holding the ma,n Japanese thrust in this area. , „ CHUNGKING, June 3.

The fate of the important railway centre of Ghuhsien hung precariously in the balance, to-night, says the Associated Press, as the Japanese developed fheir 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. Chinese Losing Confidence IN THE ALLIES. 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 Kaishek, to speak 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 Genera! would not say so bluntly, it was obvious, in speaking with him, that China was vastly disappointed w ! th her allies. Her faith in them is seriously shaken, and consequently China’s confidence jmpa’red. 8.0.W. RUGBY, June 3.

Replying to a question as to assistance- now being given to China, the Foreign Secretary. Mr Eden, in ] the House of Commons, said he was sure the Government and country realised the part China was playing in the ranks of the United Nations, anil the need for giving her all possible assistance China was being furnished under the lease-lend arrangement made b.y 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 poo’ by the Combined Munitions Assignment Board. The Chinese troops had contributed very materially to the delaying action hi Burma, and good feeling and a spirit of co-operation were shown' whenever were side by side with the British forces.

Chinese Forces j RETIRE TO INDIA FROM BURMA. 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 reequipped they will probably be sent back, to assist to prevent the Japanese entering India. 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 near the lighthouse. A low-level attack was ma'de, and hits were scored on the lighthouse. All our aircraft returned safely. BRITISH PRISONERS. IN JAPANESE HANDS. 8.0.W. 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 are 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.