CAB80-32 — Page 111

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It is also probable that the forces in the south have recently been reinforced by a division from Japan.

51. The present distribution of Japanese forces is believed to be as follows:

North-

Japan Seven divisions.

One Tank Regiment.

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Korea: One division.

Sakhalin Two divisions.

Invasion,

Manchukuo: 26 Divisions.

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7 Tank Regiments.

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Centre-

North China: Nine Divisions.

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Twelve Independent Mixed Brigades. Two Tank Regiments.

by

Central China: Six divisions.

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Seven Independent Mixed Brigades. One Tank Regiment.

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South-

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Three divisions.

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Canton Three divisions. One Tank Regiment. Swatow One Independent Mixed Brigade.

Formosa

Hainan One division.

North One division.

South Three divisions. One Tank Regiment.

:

Total: 62 Divisions,

20 Independent Mixed Brigades, 13 Tank Regiments.

52. Few reports of invasion preparations or intentions have been received during the period under review. Sources continue to send descriptions of craft under construction, and the greatest activity in this direction appears to be in Belgium. One report states that mass production has been started of a 500-ton vessel with bows specially adapted for troop disembarkation. Date of completion is given as February 1942.

General Review.

AIR SITUATION.

53. Operations against targets in Germany and Occupied Territory were again considerably restricted by bad weather.

Air operations in support of the offensive in Libya have been on an intensive scale.

Germany and Occupied Territory.

Day.

54. Bomber Command despatched 13 sorties, and Fighter Command flew 192 sorties on offensive operations over occupied territory and against shipping. Attacks on shipping are reported under "Coastal Operations."

55. Of two Stirlings despatched to attack the Osnabrück and Bremen areas, one attacked shipping instead owing to failure of cloud cover. It was engaged by eight Me. 109's, and shot down one of them in flames. The second Stirling was also attacked by eight Me. 109's, and was forced to abandon task. In the ensuing encounter, which lasted for 25 minutes, two Me. 109's were probably destroyed and one was damaged.

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