FIGHTING ON SAIPAN

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 239, 6 July 1944, Page 5

FIGHTING ON SAIPAN

Americans Take Capital WASHINGTON. July 4. The American ground forces which have captured Gnrapan, the capital of Saipan, have moved beyond to engulf Tanapag, in a general advance against the Japanese troops. Today’s Pacific Fleet communique says: "Our forces, in a general advance along the entire front, captured Garapan and Tanapag, towns on Saipan Island. Our line now extends inland from 'Tanapag, on the west coast, skirts the mountain village of Atchugau, in flic centre. and is anchored on the east coast, within four miles of Tnagns Point, the north-east tip of Saipan. “During Sunday night a small force or Japanese attacked our lines from the rear. 'Twenty-live enemy troops were killed. We suffered no losses.

“Our troops have buried 7312 enemy (lend.”

Latest; reports indicate that the battle for Saipan inav be nearing an end. states tlie “New York Times” Pearl Harbour correspondent. It is unlikely that tlie Japanese have 10.000 fielding men left in the cramped area, still in their posesssion. Th-y have tost huge niiantities of ammunition, tanks and other supplies. American control of tlie sea ami air prevents further Japanese, reinforcements. Ton Canadian Army officers are with an American infantry division in the battle of Saipan as observers. Their presence forecasts the eventual participation of Canadian troops against the Japanese, probably after the European war.

U.S. RAID ON GUAM (Received July 5, 11.55 p.m.) _ NEW YORK. July <>. Tokio official radio says that a large number of American carrier based planes raided Guam on Monday, and it claims that 20 were shot down by Japanese lighters and flak.