DRIVE ON CHANGSHA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25553, 5 June 1944, Page 5

DRIVE ON CHANGSHA

JAPANESE MAKE PROGRESS

ENEMY STRATEGY IN CHINA (Rec. 7 p.m.) CHUNGKING, June 3. The Japanese captured two strongpoints east of Changteh and north-east of Changsha. They fell to the Japanese striking along the Milo River, while westwards the Japanese seized Ansrang, driving southwards near Hanshow, where they were stopped, says the American Associated Press.

The Japanese are now 22 miles east of Changsha. The Chinese stopped a third major prong at Kweito, 40 miles north of Changsha. A Chinese Army spokesman said that the enemy strategy is to apply more pressure on China as the Allies increase their pressure on Japan in the Pacific. The spokesman pointed out that the Japanese termed 1944 the decisive year, and as the Allies mov« nearer Japan the invaders will probably seek a decisive outcome in China, where they believe the final battle of the war must' be fought eventually. The Chinese Central News reports that the Japanese have driven to within 12 miles of Changsha. Continuous Japanese attacks in the direction of Changsha from the direction of Pingkiang have been repulsed, says a Chinese communique. The Japanese striking south from Chang-shcu-Chien. 25 miles east of Pingkiang, advanced 12 miles. The Japanese made fresh landings on the south shore of Tungting Lake. Enemy planes raided Changsha and other strategic points.