Evening star., 1942-09-02
Continued From First Page)

were known to have strong troop
concentrations in Manchukuo and
added that he just has received un-
confirmed reports that they appar-
emily were taking the defensive every
where in the Chinese Burmese
theater.
He referred, he said, not to the
fact that the Chinese were advanc-
ing in Chekiang and Kiangsi prov
inces, but to stories that the Jap
anese were building defenses along
the Indo-C China border and are oc-
cupying block houses along the
Chinese railways they still hold.
These reports are significant, if
true, the general added, and then
explained he could not readily check
on the information until he returns
to his China headquarters from his
present inspection of the Far Eastern
military situation.
Praises Offensive.
Asked if the American offensive
IN the Solomon Islands had been
helpful in the general situation of
the United Nations, Gen. Stilwell
replied: Eyes, any diversion helps"
He said the Japanese could hardly
be heavily engaged in the Solomons
and at the same time take serious
action against India Then he added
that he failed to see how the jap
anese could let go in the Solomons
now.
The political situation in India,
the general said in answer to an
other question, was having an effect
on the military situation by interfer-
ing with transportation, but no other
effects were visible.
In general, he said, the situation
Is unchanged materially" since he
walked out of the Burmese jungle
and declared that Burma can and
must be retaken."
There is no indication when the
situation will change he said. THE
japanese undoubtedly have improved
their communications and bases and
must be making every effort to put
the oil wells back in production and
get raw resources to Japan against
the day when they may not have
any"
Japs' Shipping Shortage.
In answer to another question, he
said the japanese shipping shortage
was severe
AS for Allied plans, he declared
plenty are boiling, but nothing has
been decided"
1T depends on a second front in
Europe" he said. Il have always
considered this theater tthe ORIENT
important and naturally have al
ways rooted for it," he continued
1T is still the best way of getting at
Japan"
He Endorsed the views on the Jap
anese expressed by Joseph c. Grew
former Ambassador to Japan, Wher
Mr. Grew returned to Washington
Every day we give them to dig in
they may be that much harder tt
get out" he said.
IF we are going to do anything Il
Japan, India would be the logica
base from which to act" he de-
clared
The Chinese, he continued, can
Yetake Burma by themselves. Th'
Allies must 60 in with them from
India and must have control of tn
Bay of Bengal.
Question of Plans.
Turning to the aerial side Of tn
strategic problem in this part Of tn
world. Gen. Stilwell said planes ar
one answer to the problem il
China, "but you must remembe
gasoline and bombs are limited" be
cause of the difficulty Of gettin
them in since the Burma road wa
closed.
He said he thought the Japanes
must have had heavy air losses out
side of those in combat throug
routine flying over strange territor
in bad weather. The japanese, h
said, were using an improved Ter
fighter in recent battles in Chin;
These sacrifice pilot safety for in
creased maneuverability. he de
clared, but the American Arm
pilots are carrying on where tn
AVG left off and are doing just 6
inh