Chungking, Mar. 4, The Japanese forces operating to the west of Hankow, after pushing westwards along the Hankow-Ichang highway, have suddenly " changed their course, according to Chinese reports, and are now. swinging northwards with the apparent intention of Jadvaneing on Siangyang and Fanfeheng, in north Hupeh. These two points, itis stated, are generally considered to constitute the "gateway to [Shens!" from the south.
'The Japanese forees winch advanced latong the Kinshan-Chungtsiang highway. these reports state, are, being Jengaged in "severe fighting" by. the [Chinese troops at' Sunchiao, Those [Japanese units advancing westwards latong. the. Hankow-ichang highway, the reports declare, are now moving northwards, with the object of joining in the attack on Chungtsiang.
Japanese aircraft and artillery are said'to. be subjecting the Chinese positions at Sunchiao to severe bombardments, in an effort to smash through the Chinese defences there.
Regarding the situation at Kuling, Chinese reports claim that, "alin {to dislodge the Chinese guerillas from their mountain stronghold, the Japanese troops are now tightening up their blockade" of Kuling, and are trying to prevent food and military supplies from reaching the guerillas."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.