JAP OFFENSIVE

Grey River Argus, 29 April 1944, Page 5

JAP OFFENSIVE

EXPANDS IN CHINA Fall of Chengchow Feared , LONDON, April 27. Chengchow is believed to have fallen, although there is still no definite word. The Chinese are reported to have checked a sizeable enemy force at Tengfeng, 40 miles south-west of Chengchow. „ . . The Japanese offensive in North Honan is expanding after over-run-ning 1800 square miles in the heart of the wheat-growing area where a record crop was expected, says the As r ociated Press, quoting Chinese dispatches. Loyang_ Is increasingly threatened as the Japanese smash westward along the Lunghai railway from Chengchow. The Japanese failed to capture Hualo Pass, 35 miles west of Chengchow and half-way to Loyang but took noints south-west-ward in a' flanking move. Ten thousand Japanese are reported to be moving west .of Kaifen towards Chengchow. Another column advanced 15 miles along the PekinHankow railway and attacked a point 40 miles south of Chengchow.

CHINESE COUNTER-ATTACKS (Rec. 8.50) CHUNGKING, April 27. A Chinese communique stated:— Japanese forces captured Mihsien last Sunday night, but a Chinese counter-offensive won back from b to 8 miles, thereby easing a Japanese threat to Loyang. There is heavy fighting proceeding at Shuhkuchen Yushih, 40 miles south of Chengchow. Japanese forces are showing signs of collapse under vigorous counter-attacks.