Moves in Burma Merely Preparatory

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 60, 14 March 1944, Page 5

Moves in Burma Merely Preparatory

AUTUMN PUSH EXPECTED NEW YORK, March 12. Pointing out that the British and American operations in Burma are only preparatory moves for tho big push for which the occupation of Akyab and a foothold in the Andaman Islands is essential, the New York Herald-Tribune’s Washington correspondent says that the campaign faces postponement until the autumn when the Allied strength all over the world is expected to permit the prosecution of the war in Europe and Asia without reinforcing one theatre at the expense of the other. Experts think the time is too short before tho monsoon for a major undertaking which will require several months. They emphasise the possibility of disaster if winds and rains overtake our troops in the jungle with the campaign incomplete. In addition, all the available shipping and supplies are earmarked almost exclusively for the coming invasion and the use of India’s transportation system and troops for rushing supplies for the relief of the famine in Bengal delayed the preparations. In addition to retaking Burma, Lord Mountbatten’s plans are reported to envisage recapturing Sumatra and Singapore, requiring a force equal to the North African expedition.