JAPANESE ATTACKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 July 1943, Page 4

JAPANESE ATTACKS

ON AMERICAN AIR BASES IN CHINA 26 ENEMY PLANES SHOT DOWN. FOR LOSS OF ONE ALLIED MACHINE. (Received This Day, 10.40 a.m.) CHUNGKING, July 27. The Japanese are continuing to press their air attacks in Eastern China, in an attempt to wipe out the advanced American air bases which are threatening their positions. General Stillwell’s communique today says 26 planes were shot down on Saturday for the loss of one American machine. The United States bases attacked were in Kwangsi and Hunan provinces. Only minor damage was done. Major-General Edgar Glenn, Chief of Staff of the Fourteenth United States Air Force, said: “It is perfectly obvious that the enemy is trying to smash our bases in Eastern China, but we are not worried. The Japanese have assembled a sizeable force and are apparently trying to forestall any offensive by us.” A Japanese Army spokesman, Uahagi, broadcasting on the Tokio radio, declared: “Apparently preparing for an air attack against Japan, the American Air Force in China is being continuously reinforced via India. The Japanese, observing these movements, have launched a continuous air offensive against the American advanced bases, inflicting heavy damage.”