Another Catastrophe For Nationalists

Chronicle (Levin), 11 January 1949, Page 5

Another Catastrophe For Nationalists

(N,Z.P.A.

— Reuter*

Covyright) •

Received Tuesday, 10.20 a.m. ^ NANKING, Jan. 10. The Chincse Communist radio . claimed today that all the National Government troops encircled south of Hsuchow "were completely wiped out today." The last reports from Nationalist sourees estimated the Nationalist troops under General Tu Yuming at 150,000, Earlier today, Reuter's Nanking correspondent reported that Communist columns were converging on tfie last remains of the encircled garrison, shelling General ,Tu Yuming's headqiiarters. The correspondent quoted reports reaching the capital, saying that an almost incessant Communist artil.ery barrage since January 1 had jsduced the Nationalist position to a chalDtic scene. The casualties sufiered by troops and civilians have oeen heavy. The defeat means another catastrophe for the Nationalists as they fall back to defend the capital .against the expected final Communist offensive. Some observers expect the Communists on the i angtse River line by the last week m January. All likely Yangtse crossing places are now heavily guarded. General Lin Piao's Communist armies tightened their ring around j ientsin today after overcoming determined Nationalist resistance. This unexpected vigorous opposicion continues in almost full view of the population in danger of being overwhelmed by the war. The continuous arrival of wounded in the hospitals confirmed that heavy engagements had been fought in the city's western suburbs. There is much truth in the garrison statement that the -"life and death struggle has hegun" in Tientsin.