SUCCESSES IN SHANTUNG

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26541, 16 August 1947, Page 7

SUCCESSES IN SHANTUNG

COMMUNIST FORCES FLEEING • Rec. 7 p.m. NANKING, Aug. 14. Government forces appeared to-day to be on the verge of a major victory in the Shantung province, where the Communist forces have been cut into several fleeing segments. General Wang’s North Shantung Government Army was reported to be less than 50 miles from tne sea in its northward drive. In South-west Shantung, the forces of the Communist General Liu Pocheng swung south-westwards after Government troops had blocked their escape route across the Yellow River. Another Red Army, under General Chen-Yi, has abandoned hope of regrouping within Shantung and begun r a withdrawal westwards across the Yellow River into the Shansi. region. Military experts in Nanking attribute the Government successes •to two factors—first, overwhelming numerical superiority, and,, secondly, a change in the basic \ fighting jrolicies under which Marshal Chiang Kai-shek’s generals have abandoned the old idea of capturing and garrisoning towns, and instead have concentrated their full strength on catching and crushing the enemy troops. Experts believe that the next fortnight will determine the success or failure of the Government drive. Complete victory in Shantung would restore the confidence of the national armies and would release large numbers for use elsewhere.