PROGRESS IN BURMA

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 199, 20 May 1944, Page 7

PROGRESS IN BURMA

Mogaung Next Objective LONDON, May 18. * An official spokesman at Kandy, commenting ou the capture of Myitkyina airfield, said that the airfield was an allweather strip, but “its capture was only half the battle, because we need Mogaung to consolidate our position." Mogaung is probably the Allies’ next objective, because General Stilwell’s forces 'iind those of General Leutaigne, General Wingate's successor, are in the vicinity. Their movements will probably be co-ordinated from north and south. “Myitkyina is not a stopping place,” the spokesman said. “We have reached an excellent advanced position from which further operations can be launched, but do not expect a spectacular advance south through Burma, because there is likely to be a big change in the military situation in the north' “There will be less slackening of the fighting during this monsoon than there was last year.” The aerodrome at Myitkyina was captured intact in a surprise attack by Americans and Chinese after slight resistance, says the Kandy correspondent of the Associated Press. This was followed by American engineers landing on the aerodrome by gliders and Chinese occupation troops arriving by transport planes. The capture was carried out by three columns of Americans and Chinese under the command of Brigadier-General Merrill, General Stilwell's field commander, who marched for 20 days from the Kumon Hills.

Reuter's correspondent points out tlr.it Myitkyina*was the objective of General Stilwell’s advance from the north down the Hukawang-Mogaung Valley. It is 100 miles from the old Burma Road.