FIGHTING IN CHINA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 62, 16 March 1943, Page 5

FIGHTING IN CHINA

ENEMY RETREAT ON SALWEEN Reed. 5 p.m. Chungking, March 14. Chinese forces, pursuing the enemy along the west bank of the Salween River, recovered additional points, including Huiyao-chien, Hsiangyangchiao, northward of Chuchinh-kiang, inflicting over 500 casualties, says a Chinese communique.

The Japanese shelled the Chinese positions at Taheitu, south-eastward of Lungling. The Chinese attacked the enemy at Mitossu, inflicting severe losses. Fighting is continuing. The situation along the ShihshowChouchiachang line, on the HupehHonan border, remains unchanged. The Associated Press quotes the Chinese High Command as saying that the Japanese drive across the middle Yangtze, in which eight columns are participating, continues to progress. It is believed that the enemy advance is leading up to a fourth battle for Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province.

Authoritative Chinese sources stqte that Japan is relinquishing to the Nanking puppet government within a few days all special Japanese rights in China. Reporting this the United Press adds that the announcement will be part of a propaganda campaign publicising Japan's "kindness” to Nanking. Japan hopes to counteract the effect of the Anglo-American renunciation of extraterritoriality, also to pacify Thailand, which is reported to be restless under Japanese domination. The Chinese say Italy and Rumania are also preparing to relinquish their concessions to Nanking.