CHINA’S CAMPAIGN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 266, 9 October 1942, Page 2

CHINA’S CAMPAIGN

MORE RECOGNITION SOUGHT. (12.20 p.m.) CHUNGKING, Oct. H. Mr Wendell AA’illkie departed by plane yesterday. His destination was not disclosed.

The Government spokesman (Air Soong) said Air AA’illkie was the most popular foreign visitor Chungking had seen.

Air AA’illkie’s statement calling for an all-out offensive and the end of imperialism has found unanimous support in the Chinese Press, says the Associated Press.

The Finauco Alinister (Mr Kung), on behalf of the Chinese American Institute for Cultural Relations, presented Air AA’illkie with a six-point memorandum for President Roosevelt, suggesting:— (1) An increased American air force should be sent to Chinn because the present strength is insufficient to support an effective counter-offensive. (2) Concerted efforts by the United Nations should be. made to retake Burma at the earliest possible time. (3) Further American bombers should raid the Japanese homeland. (4) Allied global strategy should consider the Chinese and European front of equal importance. (5) The Chinese will never lay down their arms before the United Nations’ cause is decisively won.

(6) China and America should co-operate not only for victory, but also in rebuilding a new world order.

IRRITATION CAUSED

A New York cable states: It is doubtful whether the TJnited Nations will survive many more “goodwill” missions of the same unrestrained and voluble sort, sajs the Washington correspondent of the Nortli American Newspaper Alliance in criticising Mr Willkie’s utterances. The correspondent adds: His pronouncements have aroused irritation in British and American circles. Observers are now wondering what verbal bombs Mr Willkie will explode in India. While many British and Dutch people concede that imperialism is probably on the way out, they are not ready to surrender their overseas possessions without the least assurance that the private investments of their citizens will he maintained, and no worth-while assurance on that score is obtainable now. Furthermore, the British Government is unlikely to agree to abstain completely from political interference in Chinese affairs until the necessary assurances are given. Therefore, the immediate effect of Mr Willkie’s pronouncements may Ik? to stir up dissension among the United Nations. ENEMY PAYS HEAVILY.

The army spokesman in Chungking stated that from May 15 to September 30 the Japanese lost 22,450 men killed in battles in the Chekiang and Kiangsi Provinces and failed in their objective to link up the railway network. The Japanese used 170,000 troops to close a gap of 360 miles between the terminals of the Kangchow-Nanchang railway, but the Chinese recovered all of tins except 100 miles, forcing an enemy retreat which was not stopped until it reached the Lanclii-Kinhwa sector, where the Japanese arc still holding out. The campaign also cost the Japanese 1050 prisoners, considerable war material, and 64 launches sunk.