Progress in Burma
The military operations in Burma, which get less than their share of attention in the Press and on the wireless, not only cover a vast area, but engage large numbers of troops, British, American, Indian, African and Chinese. These operations, under the supreme com- mand of Lord Louis Mountbatten, have appeared to consist of a number of quite separate movements, though, as it is becoming increasingly apparent, all conform to a grand plan which will involve a convergence on Mandalay, now only about a hundred miles distant from our advanced units, and, ultimately, may lead to a junction of Chinese troops, now operating in north-eastern Burma, and troops under Chungking command attacking from China. Over intolerable mountain and jungle country the troops which defeated the Japanese attack in the Imphal area have pressed far south to the Chindwin river and beyond. The troops under General Sultan, consisting of the British 36th Division and some Americans and Chinese, which were successful at Myitkyina two months ago, have also; driven the Japanese southwards more than a hundred miles, and threaten to advance down the Irrawaddy, -also in the direction of Mandalay. Two separate Chinese forces are operating in the north-wes't, one having captured the fortress of Bhamo, while the other has been attacking the enemy at Namhkan. All the time the Japanese have been resisting hard, but they have been steadily driven back every. where, and have suffered heavy casualties. In the vast spaces of Asia this recovery of thousands of square miles has not the tremendous importance which such gains would have in Europe ; but the vial here is taking a heavy toll of the enemy's resources, and at least makes it more difficult for him to concentrate overwhelming strength against our hard-pressed allies in China.
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