BID TO ESCAPE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23257, 19 July 1945, Page 5

BID TO ESCAPE

Trapped Japanese In Burma LONDON, July 17. Nearly 100.000 Japanese, trapped for weeks in the Pegu Tomas mountains are concentrating in the foothills of the range for a mass bid to escape across the Mandalay-Rangoon corridor toward Shan, writes a correspondent at advanced headquarters. Elements of three formations, battered and disease-ridden, and lacking adequate fire support, hope to slash through the Allied ring to the banks of the swollen Sittang River. A big battle is believed to be imminent, but whether it happens tomorrow or next week depends on when the unaccountable Japanese decide to accept the challenge. Time is short. The Japanese need darkness for any break-out. We have tanks, guns, and infantry, and miles of barbed wire barring their escape. We have prepared a screen of defensive positions which the enemy will have to assault. Veterans of the campaign say that this stands a good chance of being the big slaughter of Burma. Intensification is going on in the Japanese camp to complete arrangements for the escape.

Tne eyes of the Tactical Air Force are watching in daylight movements behind the Japanese lines. Our commanders are confident.