NORTHWARD DRIVE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 100, 27 March 1942, Page 5

NORTHWARD DRIVE

JAPANESE IN BURMA OILFIELI)S~~OBJECTIVE. (United Press Association—Copyright.1 (10.30 a.m.) RUGBY, March 26. The latest Burma communiciue states that a large mixed enemy force is reported to be moving north of Xyangin (on the road to Prorne and the Burma oilfields and 35 miles south of Prome). A similar Japanese force is reported in the area Minhla-Tharrawaddy. No contact has yet been made in the direction of the Pegu Yomas (the mountain range separating the lrrawaddy and Sittang ltivers). The enemy is reported to be dropping isolated parachutists, presumably with the object of organising local traitors.

A force of 1000 Japanese was engaged in the area of Yedash, 20 miles north of Toungoo, and heavy casualties were inflicted. Our losses were remarkably small owing to the stout resistance by the units concerned, especially the Chinese Expeditionary Force.

The enemy have side-stepped Toungoo and occupied liyungon, 12 miles north of Toungoo. The Chinese forces in Toungoo are well dug in and will hold on until relieved.

The Chinese Expeditionary Force engaged a mixed Japanese Thai force of 800 in the area, of Tuang Pakyen, south of Mongton, and forced them to withdraw with heavy casualties. In the attack the Chinese inflicted some casualties and captured a French officer.

Our aircraft attacked Chiengmai airfield, Thailand, on March 24, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire. Many aircraft were observed on the ground, including some bombers and transports. Approximately ten aircraft were completely disabled and many others damaged.—Official Wireless. STRENGTH OF INVADERS. A Press Association cable from Chungking says that the Chinese army spokesman said the arrival of 150 Jajianese planes on the Upper Burma front from Rangoon on March 21 was the prelude to an enemy offensive in major force up the railway from Pyu a day later. The spokesman confirmed that 1000 Japanese forces in the United Nations' line had reached a point north of Toungoo, probably cutting the railway to Mandalay. The Spokesman described the situation as not optimistic, but not serious either. Estimating the Japanese strength in Burma at three divisions, the spokesman said one was operating along the Rangoon-Mandalay railway, another along the Rangoon-l'rome railway westward, and the third was in reserve.

LOSS OF THE ANDAMANS. A Press Association cable from London says that as a result of the capture of the Andaman Islands, in tlie Bay of Bengal, the Japanese have achieved a gain of first rate importance, says the military correspondent of the Daily Express. Barely a battalion of Indian troops with Brtiish officers and n.c.o.'s garrisoned the entire group, in which there were no important lortifications. The Nicobar group southward of the Andamans officially forms part ol the area administered by one commissioner and consequently it is presumed that it also has been evacuated. It would in any event be undefendable. Because of this dangerous threat Ceylon must be held at all costs, otherwise the protection of our supply lines will be wclinigh impossible. Our ships must be based on i'rincomalce (Ceylon )to challenge Japanese ships which sooner or later must be expected in the Indian Ocean. In the House of Commons (says a London report) Mr Eden said that our small garrison in the Andamans was withdrawn' on March 12. In reply to a question as to whether the "scorched earth" policy was carried out there, the Minister said the arrangements for the withdrawal were completed a long time ago and the "scorched earth plans were .dealt with. The State Council by 22 votes to )i rejected a motion for compulsory military service in Ceylon. The sponsors of the proposal declared that conscription would raise the people's morale, increase their enthusiasm and loyalty, and improve their physique.