CHINESE SUCCESS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25240, 1 June 1943, Page 3

CHINESE SUCCESS

RECAPTURE OF VILLAGE HEAVY ENEMY LOSSES CHUNGKING, May 30. The Chinese have recaptured Yuaungkwan, and have killed 1000 Japanese in the operation, states a Chungking communique. The Chinese are closely pursuing the enemy remnants, which are retreating to the north-east towards Niekchiaho, seven miles south of the Yangtse. The communique adds that the Chinese operating in the Kingman-Tangyang-Ichang sector on the north shore of the Yangtse have gained ground. The fighting is increasing in intensity on the heights overlooking the river opposite Ichang. The Tokio official radio claims that the Japanese forces west of Lake Tungting occupied Taiyungtang, Sinen headquarters of the Chinese 161st Division, and Tangyang, near Ichang. The recapture of Yuauangkwan, which has been described as the gate to Chungking, elimihates the main threat against the Chinese, capital. The Chinese National Military C6uncil stated that the Chinese success marked the turnipg- point in the Yangtse Valley battle, Japanese casualties have risen to 2000, and the Chinese have captured a huge quantity of booty. The Qentral News Agency reports that American planes bombed Yochow and Linsiang, hitting a Japanese troop train at Yochow as the troops were alighting, and set fire to the township. The Japanese are reported to be 35 miles from Chaigteh, which Chinese civilians are evacuating.