U.S. AIR BASES IN CHINA

Grey River Argus, 2 December 1943, Page 5

U.S. AIR BASES IN CHINA

Menace to Formosa

(Rec. 10.10.) LONDON. Dec. 1. The “New York Herald Tribune” commenting editorially on the recent American-Chinese bombing of a port in the island of Formosa, off the coast of China, stated that General Chennault’s use of fighters would clear a wav for bombers. It suggests that an Allied base has been established not many hundreds of miles from the Chinese coast. It says: “It is well known that General Chennault has been waiting impatiently for a numerical strength in fighters that would enable him to use regularly advanced airfields in China. Therefore it can be assumed that he is now ready to defend forward bases against the Japanese. His preparations will certainly put this to a test. The Japanese cannot let Formosa be bombed with impunity. Allied bases would upset the whole Japanese scheme in conquered areas in the south. Moreover, bombing of Formosan ports and Japanese shipping m the channel between Formosa and the Chinese mainland would force Japan to abandon the use of Formosa Island as a store-house, and to re-route all south-bound shipping around the island.” U.S. AIR ACTIVITY. CHUNGKING, Nov. 30. General Stilwell’s communique announces that American fighter bombers supporting the Chinese troops attacked enemy! positions west of the Salween River. Fighters attacked a Japanese aerodrome at Luangpradang and Mitchells sank an enemy freighter in Tongkin Gulf. ing against the flanks as enemy forces withdraw. SNAMENKA THREATENED. BY RUSSIANS. . (Rec. 12.5.) LONDON, Dec. L Reuter’s Moscow correspondent says: The Germans vital fail junction, Snamenka, is imperilled as Russian forces push on from Yanov, fourteen miles to thfe north-east. Li Snamenka goes, Gerffian forces m the Dnieper Bend will be isolated from the possibility of obtaining speedy reinforcements from the Kiev bulge. HARD GERMAN STAND. IN DNIEPER BEND. (Rec. 7.45) LONDON, Nov. 30. Reuter’s Moscow correspondent states: The Russians have resumed attacks in the Dnieper Bend, and are testing the German line between Krivoi Rog and Nikopol to the utmost. German troops have been told that to surrender a Dnieper village is tantamount to surrendering a German city. The enemy troops need stiffening, because casualties in a long sustained holding action are beginning to tell. THE BEND STRUGGLES. (Rec. 12.10.) LONDON, Dec. 1The Red Armv renewed a violent assault in the Nikopol sector, Particularly north of Kirvoi Rog. south or Kremenchug, and south-west of Dnepropetrovsk. They are meeting fierce German resistance before Nikopol. Kiev Bulge Areas KOROSTEN TAKEN BY THE GERMANS. LONDON, Nov. 30. The Russians have evacuated Korosten. This was officially announced at Moscow to-night. . ' A Soviet communique stated: under order of the Supreme Command, the Russians abandoned Korosten and occupied' positions more favourable for defence. A 8.8. C. despatch stated: In the last few days She Germans have not gained an inch of ground oy their counter-attacks against tne Kiev salient. (Rec. 10.10) LONDON, Dec. 1. The Swiss radio says that Russian forces have recaptured a part of Korosten. German Strength GREATEST IN KIEVE BULGE. (Rec. 12.10.) LONDON, Dec. 1. Reuter’s Moscow correspondent states: In the Kiev Bulge the most powerful German armoured strength now appears to be • concentrated. The Russians obviously have taken some heavy punches around the Kiev Bulge. The general position is not affected. Russian armoured, strength west of the Dnieper remains a vitalfactor, and more tanks and mobile guns are daily being ferried over river for the White Russia battle,''nO