Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 26, 1944. THE BURMA CAMPAIGN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIV, Issue 49, 26 January 1944, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. WEDNESDAY, JAN. 26, 1944. THE BURMA CAMPAIGN.

For some months past the Allied operations in Burma have consisted mainly of air routine movements, the targets being Japanese supply dumps, roads, railways, river transport, and installations at ports. Recently the land patrols have become more vigorous, and a fortnight ago Maungdaw, on the west coast of the Arakan area, was taken by British troops, who later cut the MaungdawButliidaung' road, and are now within two miles of Butliidaung, which is a village containing bamboo huts and a few buildings of wood and iron construction. Its importance lies not in its size but in its strategic position and value as a base. The country is very difficult, and the lack of adequate road and rail facilities makes the likelihood of a successful attack by the British on a major scale remote until they are able to establish adequate communiear tions. The Japanese have the advantage of the broad Irrawaddy Valley giving them access to Rangoon, whereas the Allies have to move in a confined area, without a good port near at hand from which to transport supplies. The objective of the present ground operations may be Akyab, which, as a port and air base, would ease the supply problem aitd improve the facilities for the Allied aircraft to carry out more raids than are possible at present. The Burma campaign is one of the most difficult of the war against Japan.

Burma is one of tlie strongest Japanese bastions, anil lias not only a strategic but an economic value. The longer the country is held by the enemy the more difficult will be the task of wresting it from him. There are some experts who believe that the Allies will not attempt a major drive from the Mayu Peninsula, but will content themselves with holding and harassing the Japanese with local attacks until the SouthEast Asia Command is ready to launch a large-scale amphibian operation. There remain but two months in the present season when the weather would be suitable for such an effort, as rough seas and heavy rain are due in April. It seems, therefore, that th'e Allies have much work ahead in building up their strength before they will be in a position to attack the Japanese with sufficient power to drive them out of their positions. Meanwhile, the presence of the enemy within a few miles of the Indian frontier i's menacing. but his power to injure India is not as serious as it was when he forced General Alexander’s army to leave Burma nearlv two years ago, the withdrawal being conducted with such masterly .skill as to be ranked as an historic military operation.