rhe Retreat in Burma Prolonged rearguard actions in war are
notoriously the most ificult to -conduct with success. From the moment when the linnese gained control of the sea and the utt of the port of kgoon General Alexander's little army in Burma had no choice to fall back before the increasing forces of the Japanese ; for Could not be reinforced, and the enemy had overwhelming !rouge in the air. For a time it kept step with the Chinese, °413' withdrawing northwards on parallel lines, till a point was kbed when the ways diverged, the one to China, the other
towards India. The advance of the enemy was contested obstinately, and everything left behind that could be of use to the enemy was systematically destroyed. The Japanese made strenuous efforts to cut the line of retreat, but without success. In a final engage- ment on the Chindwin river the fatigued British and Indian troops attacked their assailants vigorously, with the result that without further molestation the whole force made an orderly withdrawal up the mountain tracks which lead to Assam. It is feared that they will have lost, but not without first destroying it, their heavier equipment, owing to lack of roads for transport. Most of Burma has been conquered by the Japanese, and its rich natural resources are now at their disposal. But thanks to the stiff resistance put up by General Alexander's army and the Chinese five valuable months have been gained in which the defences of India have been strengthened. The Chinese supply route by the Burmese road has been cut, but other routes are in process of construction which it is hoped will soon be available for the transport of heavy material.
