Big New Japanese Offensive in China

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 125, 30 May 1944, Page 5

Big New Japanese Offensive in China

CHUNGKING, May 29. After sweeping through Honan Province for the past 40 days, the Japanese have launched simultaneous attacks from tho Tungting Lake area, attempting to occupy tho entire Canton-Han kow railway, says a Chinese communique. Tour columns are moving south across the Slnchlang River in the general direction of Changsha, righting rages east and west of Sinchiang, 20 miles south of Yochow.

A large number of Japanese troops were concentrated in Yochow, and on Saturday night four groups crossed the Sinchiang River. Our troops intercepted them and fighting is proceeding. The Japanese in South Hupeh moving southwestwards from Tsyngyang have reach ed Kweikowehan, about 12 miles southwest of Tsungyang. According to the Official Wireless, the Chinese at Loyang (Honan Province) have counterattacked, and fighting is taking place on the roads leading from the town, states a Chungking message. The Japanese have suffered heavy casualties.

righting has broken out in Southern Hupeh, where a Japanese attack has been repulsed. Fourteenth Air Force Liberators bombed and damaged a small merchant vessel southeast of Hong Kong on Friday, states a communique from General Stilwell. Bombers on a sweep of the Yangtse River attacked and left burning at least six river boats loaded witb troops and supplies, and also damageu five others. The Allied aircraft thep strafed troops on the roads near Shashi, causing many casualties. From these and a number of other missions one Allied aircraft is missing.