Japanese forces operating north of the Yangtze River were rapidly closing the gaps in a huge "steel ring" about 320 kin. in circumference in an effort to encircle Chinese troops retreating westward from the northern front, according to dispatches reaching an undisclosed feld headquarters today.
Chinese troops falling back to the west were estimated to total at least 50 divisions comprising from 300,000 to 400,000 men.
Reports from various commanders today stated that the Japanese lines extended from Yingcheng northward to Anlu, Maping, Yingshan and Wu-sheng pass between Honan and Hupeh Provinces, and southeastward to Hokowchen, Hwangan and Macheng in the Tapieh Mountain range, which forms the boundary between Honan and Hupeh.
Principal highways and junction points have been occupied by the Japanese forces, and as a result the Chinese were being squeezed into narrow lanes of retreat, the reports claimed. Movements of the Chinese supply corps were being seriously hampered. Two Japanese detachments which previously entered Hanyang and pushed up the Han River have completed the occupation of Hanchuan, 40 kin. up-stream, field reports asserted.—Domei.
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