POSITIONS INTACT

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21653, 13 February 1942, Page 4

POSITIONS INTACT

SALWEEN RIYER ATTACK DANGER STILL GREAT RANGOON PRECAUTIONS 'United Press Assn.— Eiec. Tel. copyrignt) LONDON. Feb. 12 | The Japanese have launched a large-scale crossing of the Salween i River in the Paan area, about 40 miles north of Moulmein, but the 1 Allies are reported to have the situation in hand. The Allies have i counter-attacked and all their positions are said to be intact. A Rangoon Army communique stated earlier: “There was heavy fighting throughout the day in the i Paan area, where the enemy attempted to cross the Salween River. The situation is still critical, but it is believed to be in hand. Our positions are intact.” The head of the British military mission to China, in a message from Chungking, says that Chinese forces taking part in the defence of Burma yesterday had their first clash with ; the Japanese. ; A number of Government departments are being evacuated from Rangoon. to ensure the operation of ad- : ministrative machinery in the event , of the capital being directly attacked. In addition, the Governor, Sir Reg- , inald Dorman Smith, announced that all persons not engaged in essential i war work should leave the city, i This announcement has been 1 awaited for some time, for. though i business firms have been moving up--1 country, the amount of time being lost through frequent alerts has been causing departmental delays. Since the first Japanese blitzes, the Government has been expediting the dispersal of non-essential residents, who have gone up-country or to India in j large numbers. Nevertheless, many 1 citizens are necessarily remaining to ensure efficient administration of the city.