WAR IN CHINA

Grey River Argus, 21 May 1943, Page 5

WAR IN CHINA

JAP. DUMPS BOMBED Chinese Bombers Active INDICATIONS OF SUPPLIES FROM U.S. [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.J (Rec. 10.0.) CHUNGKING,. May 20. Chinese fliers supporting land forces are battling with the Japanese in the Hupeh-Hunan area. Today they pounded troop concentrations and supply dumps at two strategic centres south of the Yangtse. The “Central News” says: Chinese bombers, presumably American-built, dropped tons of bombs on Chihkiang, thirty-one miles south-east of Ichang, also in Yangchichen. They did heavv damage to fighters and strafed positions in both towns, inflicting heavv casualties. One fighter has not returned. The return to action of the Chinese Air Force after a long period of inactivity is believed to indicate promised American aid reaching Central China in larger quantities. • X XU A Chinese communique reports the continuance of bitter fighting in the suburbs of Chihkiang, with the situation unchanged. Fighting has slackened at Tsiagshih and also Lichow, but outnumbered Chinese forces have withdrawing from Nanshuikai, northwest of Lichow. Chinese diversionary attacks north of the Yangtse resulted in the recapture of several villages near Ichang and Kingmen. Five hundred Japanese were killed. A communique announced important Chinese successes in the Taihang Mountains, where the Japanese were driven out of Linhsien and Hohieh. Chinese in South Shansi, regained Peihengtou, and are now threatening Linchwah. The Chinese continue to check thirty thousand J'apanese in Shantung Province, who are driving against strongholds in the Yimeng Mountains, south-east of Tsinan. ■ Chinese forces in Suiyuan, recaptured Sinchao, east of Paotow. FRENCH TERRITORIAL RIGHTS. (Rec. 10.55.) CHUNGKING, May 20. A Foreign Office spokesman announced that French territorial rights in Peking and Shanghai are considered nullified by an agreement concluded between Vichy and the Japanese Puppet Government for the transfer of French concessions to the Puppet regime. A strong protest has been lodged with the Vichy Charge d’Affaires in Chungking.