Hankow, Feb. 23, \HE Chinese forces on the south-eastern front, comprising eastern Anhwei and northern Chekiang, will launch a general offensive in the near future an attempt to smash-the Jupanese line between Hangchow and Wuhu, according to Chinese sources here to-day.
Although the Japanese are said to be holding both Hangchow and Wuhu in force, they are believed to have stationed only small garrisons at points between these two cities, Chinese troops, it is claimed, Jeunched an attack en Wuhu on February 13 and a drive towards Hangchow on February 16, but, after capturing strategic points near both tities, were compelled to withdraw because of heavy artillery bombardments, The Chinese High Command, it 4s understood, plans to make the next drive between Wuhu and Hangchow.
Tu the Hangchow area the Chie nese, it is stated, will attack Huchow (Washing), on the southern shore of Taihu with the object of threatening the Shanghai-Hangchow Railway. white in the Wuhu sector the Chinese will attempt to capture Hsuan-then and KaceHun, points on the Highway between Wuhu and Hangchow.
Central Government divisions, Chi nese sources add, will bear the brunt of the forthcoming offensive, as it Is the intention to employ Government troops for attacks and to use prov. molal division for holding defence positions in quiet sectors,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.