Jap Drive Nears Kunming

Strong Japanese motorized columns today appeared to be driving towards Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province and key to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek's vital southwest defense zone.

The Nipponese, apparently advancing rapidly along the Burma Road, after earlier reverses near the border, had reached the Salween River, where Chinese had blasted two suspension bridges.

Elsewhere in the battle for control of the western Pacific Ocean and Asia the situation showed little change.

In the Australian area Allied planes continued their attacks on Japan's island "invasion" bases off the north Australian coast and damaged more Japanese shipping and planes.