A SECOND FRONT

Evening Star, Issue 24328, 17 October 1942, Page 5

A SECOND FRONT

MAY BE BURMA SIGNIFICANCE OF WAVIELL'S TOUR Press Association —By Telegraph —Copy.ignfi (Rec. 12.40 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 16. “ The Allies clearly intend to open a second front against J apan _ from India soon,” says Reuter’s Delhi correspondent. “ The four-day tour of India’s north-east defences by General Waved, during which . he crossed into Burma, indicates this,” he says. “ The fact that there will be a drive to link up India with China is encouraging to both countries.” While in Burma, General Wavell closely questioned officers who for many weeks had been scouting in ones and twos far into Burma. He spent many hours with these officers, poring over detailed maps and listening to the information they had collected ‘by using new and little-known routes across North-west Burma. He ordered their reconnaissance to be extended. When Wavell appeared in Burma the news spread quickly. Local Burmdse chiefs appeared in full procession, complete with elephants, to pay their respects. He assured them that everything would be done for them as soon as possible. The Associated Press correspondent in Delhi says the circumstances of Wavell’s tour are interpreted as heralding an offensive to retake Burma. Tha Allied forces on the Burma frontier region for weeks have been restless from inaction, but the monsoon is now ended and flying weather has returned. Wavell’s message to the troops, according to reliable information, was “ We are going forward.” The Berlin radio statement that the Burmese army is being increased tenfold, recruits under the new scheme being called up at the end of the year. -