Communist Armies Sweep Forward

Chronicle (Levin), 30 August 1949, Page 5

Communist Armies Sweep Forward

(N.Z.P.A.-

-Reuter.

Copyright)

Received Alondav, 7.10 p.m, HONG KONG, Aug. 29. The battle for Kwangtung, China's great southern province, has begnn. Armies under the Communist General Liu Po Chen are surging across the Kiangsi border at three points. At the nearest point they are about 125 miles from the temporary Nationalist eapitai of Canton and a similar distance from Hong Kong. On the west, ^ommunists pressing along the Lungnan-Wengyuan highway, have taken Chihhing, 140 miles northeast of Canton. In the centre, Liu Po Chen's Fourteenth Annv comprising 20,000 men, has thrust soutli-east from Tingnan, captured Hoping, and is closing in on Lungrhuan, 135 miles north-east of Canton. A third column is driving south from Hweichang to Pingyuan, 200 miles north-east of Canton. A report that Pingyuan had been captured lacks eonfinuation. Chinese repoorts say the Nationalists have been surrounded in Nanhsiung, a northern Kwangtung town 150 miles from Canton. Communist armies under General Chenyi, are descending 011 Aniov. Chinese reports say the citv is doomed. Rhipping services with the Kwangtung port of Rwatow, have already been suspended. Major-General Chennault's civil air transport has withdrawn from Amoy. Canton reports say the Nationalist Navv is counter attacking Coinmunists attempting to land 011 the Chusan 1slands off the Chekiang coast, to wipe out the Nationalist bloekade base. The reports add that the Communists have oecupied Tashu Island near Chusans.