CHINA BASES LOST

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25049, 13 November 1944, Page 5

CHINA BASES LOST

CLAIM BY TOKYO RADIO LIUCHOW AND KWEILIN FALL (Reed. 12.15 a.m.) WASHINGTON. Not. 11 The Tokyo radio says that Japanese forces yesterday completed the occupation of Liuchow and Kweilin, in South China, thereby smashing the United States air base network and establishing a superior strategio position on the China continent. Estimating that 360,000 Japanese have been flung into the battle for Kwangpi Province, the Chinese High Command admits that the enemy has broken into Kweilin and is continuing a menacing drive toward Yungning. However, Liuchow is still in Chinese hands and resistance is continuing inside Kweilin. The Associated Press says the Japanese capture of Yungning would mean the enemy would have to go only 105 miles to link up with the forces in Indo-China. The only hopeful element in the peril is the fact that Japan's transcontinental line would be tenuous, with limited capacity, and open to attacks by Chinese ground forces and United States air forces.

The United Press says that, if Tokyo's claims are substantiated, the Japanese have won one of their greatest tactical victories in China, driving the American Air Force back from coastal areas, isolating the south-eastern sector of China, and removing the major obstacles on the land route from Shanghai to Singapore. Denying the accusations by the Chinese High Command that the Japanese have been using poison gas at Kweilin, the Tokyo radio described the report as Chungking propaganda, and an indication that the loss of Kweilin was a vital blow to the enemy. The Chinese newspaper Tsakung Pao says it has learned authoritatively that Mr Donald Nelson, who recently resigned from the chairmanship of the War Production Board to return to China, wilf merge all organisations engaged in war production into a Chinese War Production Board. Other steps to be taken include the centralised management of all production and Government assistance to industry by replenishing their equipment and supplying raw materials. ROOSEVELT WELCOME RETURN TO WASHINGTON ALLIED LEADERS TO MEET, WASHINGTON, Nov. 11 In spite of the rain, which fell all night long, a large crowd turned out early yesterday morning to give President Roosevelt a rousing reception on his return to the capital from Hyde Park. As the President's car emerged from the railway station a roaring welcome swelled up. Many thousands of people lined the streets, acclaiming Mr Roosevelt on his triumphal victory procession to White House. Eight military bauds along the parade route played, "Hail to the Chief," as the Presidential party drove by and well-wishers carried banners reading: "In 1944 We Need You More"; "You Won Here, Let Us Win Over There"; "You Are Back And We Are Back Of You." Mr Roosevelt, who was accompanied bv Mr Henrv A. Wallace, former VicePresident, and Mr H. S. Truman, newly-elected Vice-President, waved to the crowds. "This is a very wonderful welcome home you've given me," Mr Roosevelt said. "I'm very happy to be back, but I hope it will not be inferred that I expect to make Washington my permanent home for the rest of my life." At his press conference later Mr Roosevelt confirmed the report that he, Mr Churchill and Marshal Stalin desired to hold another meeting when it could b9 arranged. He added that nothing had yet been decided regarding time or place. A revised ballot count in Mr Dewey's home State has given Michigan to Mr Roosevelt. J Mr Roosevelt's percentage of the soldiers' vote is 67, compared with 53 per cent of the civilian vote. The soldiers' vote was responsible for Mr Roosevelt's victory in New Jersey, where Mr Dewey _ received a slight majority of the civilian vote.

SUPPLIES FOR GREECE REHABILITATION PROCEEDS (Reed. 9.15 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 12 After offensive sweeping operations through thicklv-laid minefields the British cruiser Argonaut, accompanied by other warships and a convoy, arrived in Salonika, Greece, on Thursday, states a Mediterranean naval communique quoted by the British official wireless. Troops, stores and motor transport were disembarked. The British Treasury expert in Greece, Sir David Whaley, told the Greeks that they could have full confidence in the new drachma. He also told wage-earners to study the now financial programme and make it a full success. Stating that 130,000 tons a month were now coming into the country, Sir David said these included 50,000 tons of grain, 10,000 tons of other foods and 70,000 tons of transport and engineering supplies. He also mentioned clothing, blankets and medicines, also fuel and oil. He added that the bread, ration would be increased by a quarter next Thursday.