CRITICAL STAGE REACHED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 30 April 1942, Page 5

CRITICAL STAGE REACHED

BATTLE FOR BURMA ROAD ENEMY REPORTED TO BE IN LASHIO (Rec. 10.7 a.m.) London, April 29. 1 here is no confirmation in London of a report that the Japanese in Burma have already reached Lashio. A message last night stated that a Japanese army of 100,000 was driving on I Isipaw and the enemy was reported to be within 60 miles of Lashio. Chungking stated that the forces which captured Taung-gyi last week were heavily attacking the Japanese rear, and were making some progress, though the Japanese advance had swept beyond Taung-gyi northward and eastward. The Chinese were also attacking the Japanese between Mandahiy and the Salween and, though heavily outnumbered, were inflicting heavy losses on the enemy. T here is no further news in London of any change in Burma, where the Japanese are driving towards Lashio round the left flank of the British and Chinese forces. So far as is known the Allies roughly are on a line running east from the Irrawaddy near Kyaukpadung towards Meiktila, I hazi, I aung-gyi. Last of that point the Japanese seem to be in the neighbourhood of Konghsiping, which is midway between Loilem and Hsipaw. Unconfirmed reports say the Allied front has been established about 100 miles east of Mandalay. An agency message says the American Volunteer airmen describe the Japanese airmen as difficult enemies, not afraid of death, but lacking in initiative. 8.0. W. and P.A.