DETERMINED THRUST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1942, Page 3

DETERMINED THRUST

TOWARDS IRRAWADDY OILFIELD CHINESE HOLDING ENEMY. HEARTENED BY AMERICAN AIR SUPPORT. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, April 13. The Japanese appear to be making a determined thrust toward the oilfield in the Irrawaddy Valley. A Burma communique states that the enemy has launched a heavy attack on our positions south-west of Taungdwingyi (35 miles east of the Irrawaddy River and midway between it and the Sittang, where the Chinese are holding the line). Another enemy column is reported to be advancing up the main road in the Irrawaddy Valley near Sinbaungwe (about 35 miles south of Magwe, where enemy patrols were reported yesterday on a wide front). No details of any action with this column have so far been received, the communique adds. A Chinese communique yesterday said that the Japanese advance northward in,the Sittang Valley had been held by the Chinese, who were greatly heartened by the support given by planes of the American Volunteer Group. Marshal and Madame Chiang Kaishek have returned to Chungking from i a visit to the Burma front. They visitf ed Chinese front-line positions, and conferred with Chinese, British, and American commanders.