OUT OF BURMA

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 125, 29 May 1942, Page 5

OUT OF BURMA

BRITISH IN INDIA

General Alexander's Command Relinquished Lnitcd Press Association.—Copyright. Rec. noon. NEW DELHI, May 28. General Alexander's troops in Burma have now reached the Indian frontier and the responsibility for holding back any Japanese attempt to invade India now lies with India's eastern army," said General Wavell at a Press conference after his return from a visit to the Burma frontier. "Although I cannot give the exact figures of the men withdrawn '' he said, "I can say that four-fifths of the Indian and British troops who went to Burma have come back." Referring to the defence of India. General \\ avell said that it was undoubtedly gaining strength. "This does not mean." he explained, "that we are either complacent or satisfied. There still exists a threat against India, but we are looking forward to the day which will give us an opportunity to launch a coun-ter-offensive and to drive back the Japanese."

General Waveil also revealed at New Delhi, states a British official wireless, that General Alexander's forces in Burma never exceeded two very weak divisions, about equivalent 1.0 one strong division.

General Alexander has issued a special order of the day: "My command of the forces in' Burma has ended with the withdrawal of the army from Burma. Our task was carried out with little or no air support. The struggle has been hard and critical. Your task was to delay the Japanese so that the defences of India could lie reinforced and organised. This you have most successfully and most gallantlv accomplished. despite all difficulties. I thank you for the great work vou have done and for the fortitude with which you have borne losses and hardships."

Jap. Scouts Near Indian Border A message from Calcutta states that Japanese scouts are moving toward Chittagong, in north-east India, close to the Burma border. This is revealed by General Sir Noel Bercs-ford-Peirse, who is in command of the British troops in the Ganges delta. "Small groups of Burmese, with Japanese officers, are thrusting across the frontiers to test the Indian defences," says Sir Noel. "Front line troops are now garrisoning Chittagong." The Berlin radio, quoting Tokyo, claimed that the Japanese in the Chindwin Valley had reached Homalin. Chungking reports say the Chinese have retaken several points east and south of Lungiing, 60 miles from the Chinese border.

The Chinese position along the Burma Road has been greatly improved, as American Fiying Tigers have bombed Japanese bases repeatedly without opposition. The Chinese troops have continued to push the invaders back from the Salween.