CHINESE ATTACK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25241, 2 June 1943, Page 3

CHINESE ATTACK

WESTERN HUPEH GREATER AIR SUPPORT (Rec. 9.10 p.m.) NEW YORK, June 1. The . Chinese launched a general counter-offensive in western Hupeh after systematic bombing and strafing of Japanese positions in which Liberators, Warhawks, and Airacobras cooperated, reports the Chungking correspondent of the United Press. The invaders, who a few days ago were boasting that they would drive to the Chinese capital,-are already showing signs of collapse. The Chinese are striking in a series of co-ordinated blows, particularly along the PiepingCanton railway.* Military observers state that the operations are aimed against both ends of the central front and are intended to paralyse the Japanese occupying central China. The strategy followed the traditional line of “ killing a snake by striking simultaneously against the head, the body, and the tail.” The latest Chungking comjnunique states that Chinese advanced units reached the outskirts of Changyang and are exerting heavy pressure against the Japanese flank. The main Chinese force, capitalising the recapture of Yuauangkwan, is attacking along a 50mile front to the south and west of Ichang. The Chinese to the east of Lake Tungting recaptured several positions, including three heights between Yochow and Tsungyang, and they are also attacking the Washeng Pass, through which the Peiping-Can-ton railway runs. The Chungking correspondent of the New York Times says that in spite of the encouraging news from the battlefront the civilian evacuation of Changteh indicates that many uncertainties

remain. Thus far there is no sign of large Japanese reinforcements, which indicates that the enemy is serious about threatening Chungking. General Stilwell’s headquarters disclosed that Warhawks last Friday divebombed warehouses, railyards, and rolling stock at Yochow. causing extensive damage. Airacobras took up the attack on Sunday, bombing and setting fire to docks. Liberators on Saturday concentrated on enemy artillery and supply dumps on Yangtse Island; off Ichang, sinking a steamer. American and Chinese planes shot down 23 Japanese aircraft and probably destroyed eight more in a furious battle to-day in the Ichang area says a special communique. Fourteen United States Air Force planes earlier attacked Ichang, heavily damaging installations. The Associated Press reports that counter-attacking Chinese forces are reported to have surrounded and trapped five Japanese divisions in the Changkang region below Ichang, inflicting heavy casualties. Observers say the Chinese have taken ne\y heart from their success at Yuauangkwan. The Japanese offensive, which started last week, was regarded as the most formidable attempt in six years to end the war in China.