WAR IN CHINA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 March 1943, Page 4

WAR IN CHINA

JAPANESE DRIVE ACROSS MIDDLE YANGTSE. “KINDNESS" TO THE PUPPET REGIME. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) CHUNGKING, March 14. Chinese forces pursuing the enemy along the west bank of the Salween River have recovered additional points, including Huiyaochien and Hsiangyangchiao, northward of Chuchihkiang, inflicting over 1,500 casualties, says a Chinese communique. The Japanese shelled Chinese positions at Taheitu, south-eastward of Lungling. The Chinese attacked the enemy at Mitossu, inflicting severe losses. Fighting is continuing. The situation along the ShihshowChouchiachang line of the HupehHonan border remains unchanged. An Associated Press correspondent quotes the Chinese High Command as saying that the Japanese drive across the Middle Yangtse, in which eight columns are participating, continues to progress. It is believed that the enemy advance is leading up to a fourth battle for Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province. Authoritative Chinese sources state that Japan is relinquishing to the Nanking puppet government within a few days all special Japanese rights in China. Reporting this, the United Press adds that the announcement will bo part of a propaganda campaign publicising Japan’s “kindness” to Nanking. Japan hopes to counteract the effect of the British and American renunciation of extraterritoriality and also to pacify Thailand, which is reported to be restless under Japanese domination. The Chinese say Italy and Rumania are also preparing to relinquish concessions to Nanking. Chungking reports that Chinese troops in Northern Hunan drove Japanese forces back to Changsha, says a Now Delhi message. They also repelled another Japanese column, inflicting heavy losses.