THAILAND AT WAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 January 1942, Page 3

THAILAND AT WAR

DECLARATION AGAINST BRITAIN AND U.S.A. TROOPS ORDERED TO ADVANCE INTO BURMA. ALLIED AIR REINFORCEMENTS. LONDON, January 25. A heavy force of Royal Air Force bombers made a low-level attack on Bangkok last night, inflicting widespread damage, states a Rangoon mes'sage. The power-house received a direct hit. All the planes have returned. Following the attack the Berlin news agency quoted a Bangkok announcement that Thailand had declared war on Britain and the United States. Thailand has declared war on the United States and Britain, and has ordered 100,000 Thai troops massed on the border to advance into Burma in cooperation with the Japanese, according to Tokio radio.

The Rangoon correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that the Allied air,force in Burma is being continually reinforced with newer-model bombers and fighters. A Rangoon communique states: — “New prearranged positions on the Moulmein front have been taken up by the British forces without interference. The enemy was thrown back in the initial stages of his attack, but he continued to advance by sheer weight of numbers. Successful demolition work was carried out before the defenders retired.” Chinese dispatches say that mass movements of Chinese troops are taking place in Yunnan and along the Thailand border. Chungking reports that the Chinese have recaptured Tamshui, 20 miles north of Hong Kong, killing 400 Japanese. The remainder of the enemy are retreating toward Kowloon with the Chinese in pursuit. In the second attack on Hanoi air base by the ' Chinese Air Force, 70 bombers dropped 200 bombs, which caused much destruction. No planes were lost. Chungking also officially reports

“violent Chinese attacks on a Japanese, base and railway junction along the Peiping-Hankow railway.” The Japanese supply lines in this area have been cut, it is stated.