WAR IN CHINA

Grey River Argus, 17 May 1943, Page 1

WAR IN CHINA

Japs 4 Routed at Taihang FIGHTING AT TUNGTING LAKE, (Rec. 8.45.) CHUNGKING, May 15. The Chinese killed more than three thousand and captured twelve "towns in fighting west of the South Taihang Mountains. The success followed Iho transfer of lhe majority of Chinese troops in this area to the enemy's rear, where they executed a counter encircling move against ten thousand Japanese,, who were attempting to surround a large body of Chinese.

There is no change on the T'ungting Lake front, but a communique admitted that the Japanese made progress west of the Salween River.

A Chungking communique states: “Bitter confused fighting continues south of the Yangtse, where the Japanese are attempting to overrun Chinese strongholds along the west Shore of Tungting Lake. One Japanese column, four thousand strong, is advancing westward from the north shore towards Tsingshih and Lihsien. Another column is driving towards Kungkan. The Japanese yesterday made air raids on Tsingshih, Lihsien and other towns. North of the Yangtse, the. Chinese successfully attacked enemy positions at Ichang, Kingmen, T'angyang and Yuanan, and also are still resisting the enemy in Taihang Mounta.ns north of the Yellow River. FAMINE TAKES HEAVY TOLL. (Roc. 8.45.) CHUNGKING, May 15. The Authorities announce that the famine is exacting a heavy toll of life in the drought belt, ’ fringing practically the entire coast of the Kwangtung Province. Two hundred thousand migrated to Kiangsi seeking food. Rice in the drought area costs fifteen shillings in New Zealand currency per pound. Most of the inhabitants are obliged to eat bark.