DRIVE ON JAPAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 229, 29 September 1942, Page 5

DRIVE ON JAPAN

REOCCUPATION OF BURMA NECESSARY WAVELL DISCLOSES PLAN Rugby, Sept. 27. The British Comniander-in-Chief in India, General Sir Archibald Wavell, in New Delhi, disclosed that he had been planning the reoccupation of Burma ever since it was lost. He said: "It must be retaken to obtain positions from which to take Japanese occupied bases, and also for a drive on the Japanese themselves.” He did not think that Japan was strong enough in the air to take on a campaign on three fronts —India, China, and Australia—while having a strong force in Japan, and having to guard against a potential enemy in Siberia. The Indian theatre of war was feeling the effect of the battle at sea, but he was getting supplies and building up as quickly as possible. Dealing with second front possibilities he said: “Whatever happens the Russians are going to hold on, and we are going to open a second front as soon as we can.” He admitted that there are still five weeks of the best campaigning weather in Russia ahead, and he warned against complacency in considering winter fighting, but he was not pessimistic about the chances of StaXigrad’s survival. Referring to the situation in Germany he said the effect of heavy damaging raids on German morale was conjectural, but the enemy knew the menace was growing. “It is spirit and staying power that i wins,” he concluded.—B.O.W.