WAR IN CHINA

Grey River Argus, 15 May 1943, Page 5

WAR IN CHINA

CHINESE PUPPET TROOPS TURN ON JAPS.

CHUNGKING, May 13.

Revolting Chinese puppet troops have clashed with Japanese forces near Hangchow, and killed the garrison commander and eight other orncers, says the Central News. I hey then joined other puppet troops from a neighbouring town. The combined forces later fought a pitched battle with the Japanese inflicting oyer one hundred casualties. A large force of cavalry, and infantry has been despatched from Hanchow to quell the uprising.

Attempt to Ruin Rice Crop

JAPS’ ATTACK AT TUNGTING LAKE.

(Rec. 11.20) •CHUNGKING, May 14. The Japanese again attacked west, of Tungting Lake, attempting to ruin the rich rice crop before the Allies start the reconquest of Burma. The Japanese have also made a new crossing of the Yangtse River from the north in supporting a move intended'to cut Chinese communications and block reinforcements moving to the lake area. The Chinese killed five hundred Japanese in one sector and several hundred in another in a battle in the • Taihang Mountains. The Army journal “Saotangpao says: The Japanese operations at Tungting Lake possess more economic "than military importance. The Japanese are trying to seize the 1942 surplus of the rice crop and also prevent farmers from gathering the first.. 1943 harvest, due in July, and from making a second, sowing. The Japanese also want to occupy Changteh and nearby towns in order to cut the shortest land and water communications between Northern Hunan and Chungking.

SUPPLY ROUTE. ACROSS TIBEi.

LONDON, May 12.

Along routes 12,000 feet high, exposed to bitterly cold winds, supplies will now go to China across Tibet. It is officially announced in Calcutta that after” negotiations lasting several months Tibet has agreed to allow certain supplies through her territory, thus departing from the traditional policy of keeping the country closed.