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2. In the South, the sudden evacuation of Kwangsi
by the rebel forces has brought the campaign to an end.
A great offensive by land and water was launched on the
5th of May against Sünchow the last strategic point of
importance on the West River occupied by the Kwangsi
forces. The Cantonese claimed a great victory, but
there is no doubt that Cheung Fat-fui used considerable
strategy in evacuating this position and that he withdrew
his forces virtually intact.
3.
It is reported that Li Tsung-jen and Pai Ch'ung-
hsi have joined forces with the "Ironsides" at Pinglo
on the Kwangsi-Hunkan border, and according to the latest
information received they have marched together as far as
the vicinity of Ch'ang Sha in Hunan, whence they may
threaten Wuhan and the communications of Chiang Kai-shek.
Ho Chien, who is in control of Hunan and is the nominal
representative there of Chiang Kai-shek, is believed to
have neither the intention nor the troops to oppose their
progress.
4. Meanwhile with the withdrawal of the Kwangsi
forces, comparative peace has come to Kwangsi. Kweihsien was occupied on the 16th of May and Nanning a
few days later. The Canton Government has decided to
withdraw most of its troops, leaving one division under
Li Yang-ching to garrison Wuchow, one brigade at Sünchow
and another at Watlam, while two brigades will defend
the route between Wuchow and Tenghsien.
be entrusted to the care of Lui Wun-yim.
Nanning will
5.