JAPANESE DRIVE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20727, 10 February 1939, Page 6

JAPANESE DRIVE

INVASION OF KWANTUNQ CITY POPULATION EVACUATED AIRMEN'S INTENSIVE BOMBING (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 10, 3.15 pjn.) HONGKONG, Feb. 9 Concentration of Japanese warships and transports in the vicinity of Pakhoi, including the flagship Idumo, suggests that the next major operation will be the invasion of the Kwangtung coast. Airmen have begun an intensive bombardment of Pakhoi from the new air base on Kweichow Island, captured last week. Hie west end of the city was set on Are but the casualties are small because 20,000 were evacuated to the country. The withdrawal of large numbers of Japanese troops from the war zones is regarded as most significant and resulted in Chinese irregulars recapturing several centres in the Canton area. A 'Peking message states that General Sugiratna began the first major operation since he assumed command at the end of 1*938, an attempt to control the Central Hopei .province, an effort to subdue which was repelled throughout the year. He claims to have captured Ankuo, an important guerilla centre. HEAVY CHINESE LOSBEB CLAIMS BY JAPANESE (UnltPd Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 10. 3.15 p.m.) TOKIO, Feb. 9 It »s claimed that 17,000 Chinese were killed and 550,000 taken prisoner in January as the result of the Japanese drive against North China guerilla bands. The Japanese losses were 116 killed and 353 wounded.