While it is thought possible that the Japanese ground forces may launch fan attack westward from Wuhu and that Japanese warships may steam upriver towards Kiukiang, itis generally believed in Chinese circles here that they will attempt to attack Hankow. Chines experts say it will take months before the Japanese can remove the strong Chinese booms at Kiukiang and below Hankow.
These booms, they say, are so con~ Jstructed that "aerial bombing and aval bombardment will not clear the river channel. They therefore think that a westward drive from Wuhu overland) will be too difficult, as Tapanese forces would have to advance through the mountains western Anhwei and eastern Kiangsi, faving their left flank exposed.
In the defence of Hankow, General Chen Chen will be assisted' by General" Chang Fah-kwel, the famous commander. of the Past Nanking have convinced the Chinese military authorities of the inadvisability of relying ona retreating army to make a stand, no matter how strong the defence line may be. the defence of greater Wuhan area, the Chinese military authorities will not rely on troops withdrawn from the Peiping-Hankow or the Lunghat railway fronts. In the event of suen 'a withdrawal, the troops involved will be sent to the interior for reorganiza-ton and re
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.