SMASHING JAPAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 69, 23 March 1942, Page 5

SMASHING JAPAN

U.S. MUSTERS FORCES PLANES FOR CHINESE (By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright.) Chungking, March 20. General Stillwell, announcing that he had been given command of all Unitea States rorces in China, India, and Burma, promised that "we won l be satisfied until we see the American and Chinese torces in Tokio together.’ General Stillwell issued a warning against impatience while the united Nations were mustering their forces for the inevitable counter-offensive. There is a great deal of work to do first,” he said. “There are mistakes to oe repaired.” The general said that American volunteer flyers would be used to protect Chinese troops in Burma. "One of my biggest worries is to get adequate air support for those troops, but tney will get it." He described the Chinese soldier as one of the best in the world. If he had equipment and supplies no one could lick him. Chinese discipline was splendid. General Stillwell added that he knew the Japanese were a lot of savages and not afraid to die. “We were rather surprised by their initial successes,” he said, "but cool consideration shows that the probabilities were in favour of such successes. In the United States we were too dumb to see through their intentions and now are paying for it. We realise that they are a dangerous and aggressive enemy, but where they have been met by anything like equal strength they have been licked.” General Stillwell said he had no idea how the Japanese were using the Thai troops in the Burma campaign, but said there were indications that the Thais were not going to light too desperately for Japan. He added that President Roosevelt had expressed the determination to use all the means necessary to drive the Japanese from China. "I am unable to state the details about help and equipment on the way,” he said, “but it may be assumed that a large effort be contemplated.” The United Press reports that a third American volunteer air squadron has reached the Burma front.