Says Burma Campaign Faces Postponement

Northern Advocate, 13 March 1944, Page 4

Says Burma Campaign Faces Postponement

NEW YORK, March 12,

Pointing ouj; that British and Am erican operations in Burma were only preparatory moves for a big push, for which occupation of Akyab and a foothold in the Andaman Islands was essential, the Washington correspondent of the “Herald Tribune” says the campaign faces postponement until the autumn when Allied strength all over the world is expected to permit prosecution of the war in Europe and Asia without embarrassing one at the expense of the other. Experts think that the time is too short before the monsoon for a major undertaking requiring several months They emphasise the possibility of disaster if winds or rains overtake the troops in the jungle with the campaign incomplete. In addition, all available shipping and supplies are earmarked almost exclusively for the invasion and the use of India’s transportation system and troops for rushing supplies for relief of the Bengal famine delayed preparations.

Lord Mountbatten’s plans reportedly envisage, in addition to retaking Burma, the recapturing of Sumatra and Singapore, requiring a force equal to the North African expedition. The shortage of shipping has made Malaya a useless asset for the Japanese. Piles of. rubber and tin are lying idle because the Japanese cannot transport them, said the Rev. Marcus Cheng in an interview with the United Press. The Japanese are building wooden boats at Singapore hoping therewith to carry on to some degree the trade between Malaya and Japan. Everywhere in Malaya there is bitter laughter at the co-prosperity sphere. Indeed, those who welcomed the Japanese are now restively awaiting the Allies’ return. There were many centres of guerillas’ resistance, particularly in Johore, Selangor, and Trenggahu. Cameron Highlands guerillas, who are led by British and Australian officers, have plenty of food, including rice, fruit and eggs. Advances Made British forces made advances on Thursday on the coastal plains • south of Ala nag-daw and into the foothills southeast of Maungdaw. states South-East. Asia headquarters. They established a roadblock on the Biithidaung-iMaung-daw Road. Japanese activity was confined to shelling 'north of the road on the main Aiayu Range. Our troops made further local attacks which insulted in small advances north-east of Bnthidating. In Ktikawang- Valley, enemy forces are withdrawing- south-'.vest. of iho Alawng (la. area. Allied air activity was kept up throughout the area of operations.