CHINA: Why Now?

Cried Radio Yenan: Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's troops, "corrupt and rabble-like" (but armed with "large numbers of field guns, trench mortars and American-supplied bazookas") had attacked Communist troops in the Shensi border region. It was "fullscale civil war. . . . Chiang's divisions declared that fighting the Communists comes first and fighting the Japanese comes second."

Said Chungking: "Militarily speaking . . . nothing serious. . . . The Communists are in the habit of ... occupying districts not strongly held by Government troops. So long as Government troops leave Communists in occupation...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!