ACTION IN BURMA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 24, 28 December 1942, Page 5

ACTION IN BURMA.

BRITISH GENERAL’S AIM.

(10.5 a.m.) NEW DELHI, Dec. 25. An India communique states: “Patrolling activity in the Arakan district continues without incident. An engagement took place on Thursday in which the enemy attempted to” retake a position in this area. The first attempt failed and a flanking attempt was no more successful. The enemy suffered casualties; our losses were nil. Yesterday R.A.F. fighters made several low-level attacks in tho Toungoo area damaged Japanese aircraft on the ground and inflicted casualties on tho enemy at Toungoo aerodrome. Fighters shot up railways and an oil tank and damaged a large river steamer and other craft on the Chindwin River. None of our aircraft is missing.” General Wavell, in a New Year message to Indian soldiers, said: l At last we see before us the road to victory. It may be long and rough, but, if you and those in the factories maintain the magnificent effort, tlie end is sure.” .. The Indian Air Force, which is greatly expanded, is now taking part against the Japanese in Burma and the Royal Indian Navy is helping with convoy work. _ The long-range objective of General Wavell’s thrust, into Burma is heavyscale bombing of Japan, saps Captain F. Oliver ,in the Christian Science Monitor, according to a Boston cable. He explains that the Chinese bases are excellent for tliat purpose, but are at present unusable, because supplies are only trickling in by routes from Russia and India. Few transport planes carry over 12 tons, and only 40 planes are available. Therefore supplies at present flown to India amount to 1 per cent. The trafhc was formerly carried over the Burma Road, but if General Wavell reopens the road sufficient supplies will be available at the Chinese bases to carry out an air offensive against Japan equally as intensive as that being waged against Germany. Though material damage is not extensive and casualties are comparatively light, raids on four successive nights have caused an exodus of lower classes, who loaded their belongings in packs carried on their heads and departed from the city by train and on foot, says the Calcutta correspondent of the-Associated Press of Great Britain.