HARD ROAD IN BURMA

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24543, 27 March 1943, Page 6

HARD ROAD IN BURMA

In saying that the British and Indian troops facing the Japanese in the Arakan district of Burma have a hard road to travel, the word road can he used only metaphorically. Among the greatest of their difficulties is that they have no roads at all to follow. A correspondent, describing some of the conditions faced in (his area, says river transport will undoubtedly play a big part in future operations. This is supported by other evidence. A first-hand description of a journey from eastern Bengal to the point occupied by forward troops says:—"lf there were roads we could make this journey in half a day. But this country is almost roadless. Countless rivers and creeks cut it into a maze of islands and peninsulas. Transport has always been by water and is still so to-day." The full account of the journey reveals other

obstacles to the flow of men and supplies. High and rapid tidal movements limit the size of craft that can be used and demand expert knowledge of the tangled waterways. .For part of the way antiquated river steamers have been pressed into service. After that there must be resort to sampans —broad gondola-like vessels rowed from the stern with a top speed of five miles an hour with the tide. If, as reported, the Japanese have brought fast launches into service, they have gained a decided advantage. These conditions explain the suggestion by the Times that a continuous air offensive offers the best chance at present of countering the Japanese. They also support the conclusion that effective command of the sea is the indispensable preliminary to a real effort for the reconquest of Burma.