ROUTE INTO BURMA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 203, 28 August 1943, Page 5

ROUTE INTO BURMA

SEA ROAD NOW FAVOURED THE MOUNTBATTEN WAY (Bj- Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright' Recd. 6.30 p.m. London, Aug. 27. Lord Mountbatten’s appointment makes it clear that the route to Burma will be by sea and not by land, says the British United Press correspondent at New Delhi. This should secure for the United Nations the full benefit of air and naval superiority and deny the Japanese the jungle cover which otherwise would help to minimise the inferiority of Japanese arms. To repel the landings, the Japanese must come into the open—that is tae moment the commanders on this seemingly forgotten front are awaiting. The Ottawa correspondent of the New York Times says that he appoint-’ meat carries three important implications, firstly, Mr Churchill and President Roosevelt have emphasised that the importance of the Pacific not only means action but early action. Secondly, the long-discussed campaign to retake Burma in order to re-estab-lish communications with China may soon become a reality. Thirdly, if, as reported, the difference of opinion between the Britis* and American Commands on who should carry he brunt of the Burma campaign actually exists it is significant that it is a British job. The United Press correspondent at Chungking declares that Chinese hopes have soared with the announcement of Lord Mount batten’s appointment. It was previously feared that the Allied strength would be concentrated in he South Pacific.

Lord Mount bat ten’s appointment wil emove suspicions that an attacl igainst Burma might be delayed.