NOT A MAJOR CAMPAIGN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 11 March 1943, Page 5

NOT A MAJOR CAMPAIGN

JAPANESE ATTACKS IN CHINA MORE U.S. PLANES SUGGESTED New York, March 9. A Chungking communique says: “The Japanese, operating from five points westward of Shasi, on the north bank of the Yangtse in Hupeh province, have thrown three columns across the river and captured four towns on the southern side. Heavy fighting continues. One Japanese column was thrown back with severe losses.”

The Chungking correspondent of the “New York Times” says activities on the China fronts indicate that the Japanese attacks in all sectors are designed to explore the strength of various points in the line and in the case of Yunnan, to prevent effective Chinese concentration for an attack on Burma.

Meanwhile, the Press points out that the Japanese greater concentrations provide increased efficiency in exploiting the occupied area, including Burma. It also notes that the approach of the monsoon season abolishes the hope that the campaign will re-open the Burma road for at least four months. The immediate strengthening of the American Air Force with additional planes is suggested in order to keep on striking by air while land operations are suspended. None of the newspapers regard the present Japanese actions as the prelude to a major campaign in the near future.—P.A. SEPARATE AIR COMMAND Chungking, Mar. 10. General Stillwell announced the creation of a seperate China Air Command under Brigadier-General Chennault. The correspondent of the Associated Press of America explained that General Chennault was previously under General Bissell, O.C. 10th U.S. Army, and *-idds that a separate China air command fulfilled a long-cherished Chinese hope. It is believed this was the result of Madame Chiang Kai-shek’s visit to Washington.—P.A .