RECONQUEST OF BURMA.

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 249, 22 October 1942, Page 4

RECONQUEST OF BURMA.

The forecasts of an early Allied drive to retake Burma seem to be w^ll warranted by the nature of General Sir Archibald Wavell 's tour of the north-east defences of India, during which he crossed the border into Burma. For some time preliminary activities jointly carried on by the British, American and Chinese Commands have been preparing the ground, and General Wavell 's tour has been followed by news of activity against the Japanese forces in Burma by Chinese mobile units in the region of the Burma Road in south-western Yunan. With the passing of the monsoon, Burma may again come prominently into the picture, and that would divide the attention of the Japanese to a greater extent than at present. General Wavell is known to have the reconquest of Burma in the forefront of his plans. Success in that direction would free I-ndia from the direct menace of Japanese land attack, reopen the Burma Road for the assistancee of China, and relieve the enemy pressure in the SouthWest Pacific. Since the Japanese swept through Burma the Allies have been on the defensive in India and have built up their strength for an offensive to secure the lost ground. The disturbances in India have probably d°layed preparations to some extent, but the greatest need for the success of an attack on Burma is freedom of movement in the Bay of Bengal and sufficient shipping to transport and supply troops at the most effective points. The wild country on the borders of Burma and India acted as an effective barrier against Japanese invasion of India, and, when the tables are turned, will be a barrier impeding the Allied forces when Burma is to be invaded again. The sea route is far preferahle if Allied warships and aeroplanes can keep it open. If Japan is compelled to fight another large-scale campaign in Burma a heavy strain will be placed on her means of transport, either overland through Thailand cr by sea round the Malayan Peninsula. She will then feel some of the difficulties which have so far weighed heavily on the Allies of fighting on several fronts simultaneously. When General Wavell will be ready to strike is not known, but the present moment, when Japan is concentrating her forces in an endeavour to regain control of the Solomons, seems to be the appropriate time for an assault on Burma. The vital need is to prevent the Japanese from remaining undisturbed to form new plans for offence or defence.