STILL MING

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22690, 18 August 1945, Page 5

STILL MING

MANCHURIA FRONT | I ENEMY LINES SMASHED COMPLAINT FROM MOSCOW (UnltPfl Prf>«s Assn.—Elec. Tei. Copyright) (Received Aug. 18, 1 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 17 Although the situation on the Manchurian front is obscure, the Red Army is reported to be fighting on and has broken through the first massive line of Japanese fortifications, reports Reuter’s Moscow correspondent. It is believed the Japanese will carry out the surrender order, but it is unlikely to be coordinated action. More stiff fighting is exoected. During a thunderstorm General Meretskov’s troops broke the first line of Japanese fortifications along the frontier of the maritime province and fought their way into a defence belt 120 miles in depth. The Japanese apparently built the defence zone as a jumping-off base for an assault against the maritime province. Hie Red Army captured maps and documents indicating that Japanese plans were fully prepared for an attack against Vladivostok. Enormous quantities of material and ammunition were found. The Moscow radio, commenting on the Far East situation, declared that it appeared that the Japanese Emperor’s proclamation of surrender was merely a declaration of words. The Japanese were still fighting and had not yet been ordered to quit. Tokyo radio says General Okamura, the Japanese Supreme Commander in North China, sent a note to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek demanding that the Chinese observe thoroughly the cessation of hostilities immediately. He declared that the Japanese had ceased firing but part of the Chungking arnvy was continuing attacks, which unless stopped might require Japanese action in selfdefence. A Chungking report states that Chinese war zone commanders have ordered the Japanese in their areas to cease military activities immediately and await further instructions. SUPERFORTRESS TOLL ENEMY INDUSTRY DESTROYED (Received Aug. 18, 1 p.m.) GUAM, Aug. 17 Super-Fortresses in the campaign against Japan had destroyed the major industrial capacity of 59 cities at a cost of 437 planes and more than 3000 airmen, said General Spaatz. More than 600 airmen had been rescued. Planes travelled more than 100,000,000 miles in flights from the Marianas and India and dropped 169,421 tons of bombs. It was known that Super-Fortress losses would be heavy in non-combat flying, particularly early in the campaign when the crews were less familiar with the aircraft than now. PEARL HARBOUR FILES REQUEST FOR RELEASE (Received Aug. 18, 1 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 The chairman of the Senate Naval Affairs Committee, Mr Walsh, has sent a letter to the Secretary for the Navy, Mr Forrestal, asking the Navy for the files on its investigation of Pearl Harbour. Mr Walsh said: “With the war against Japan ended, the explanation of military expediency while the war was progressing cannot seriously be urged as a reason for keeping the matter secret. The Army and Navy Board’s inquiry has already reported that there is no basis for a court-martial of Commanders Kimmel and Short, who have requested public trials. CONDITIONS IN JAPAN INADEQUATE FOOD RATION NEW YORK, Aug, 17 The Nippon Times says the basic daily ration of staple food per person at present approximately represents 1000 calories, which is only a fraction of the minimum considered necessary by medical authorities for the maintenance of bodily health. Hundreds of thousands of homes have been destroyed. Many people are living in miserable shacks improvised from the wreckage of their homes. Others are living in mere holes in the ground. POST=WAR NAVY UNITED STATES STRENGTH WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 Calling on 30,000 reserve officers to join the permanent service, the Navy reveals that it plans for a post-war strength of between 500,000 and 550,000, also 100,000 marines. The Navy at present has a strength of 3,295,000.