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potential value to the democracies as an ally has increased.

From a military point of view China has already performed an invaluable service to America. The military stalemate that has existed in China since December 1939 remains unbroken. Since that date, the Japanese have launched many campaigns but have made no progress, and today are immobilized on a front 2,800 miles long, separated from the Chinese fighting lines by a 50 to 100-mile belt of no-man's land -- the famous "roadless area."

Today, the Chinese have over 300 divisions with 5,000,000 soldiers in the field, and 10,000,000 in reserve or training behind the lines. Over 800,000 guerillas are harassing enemy garrisons and enemy lines of communication. More than 600,000 regular troops are operating behind Japanese lines.

The October 1941 seizure by the Chinese of much-contested Changsha -- and their attacks upon the rear lines of the Japanese besieging Hong-Kong -- testifies to growing ability of Chinese troops to seize the offensive which may be intensified when the Chinese army receives sufficient equipment and munitions -- now rolling over the Burma Road in increasing amounts.

Up to the end of 1940, the Japanese losses were estimated at 1,600,000 killed and wounded. In the air the Chinese Air Force has been supplemented by American bombers sent under terms of the Lend Lease Bill; and by approximately 250 American pilots who resigned commissions in the U.S. Army to go to China. These pilots have been sent specifically to defend the Burma Road.

How as to the Burma Road, China's life-line -- As a result of traffic corrections made by the recent American commission to China, 400 supply-laden trucks a day are now rolling into Kunming, Chinese terminus of the Burma Road. Thirty-five American mechanics from the U.S. Army are en route to China to man six dispatching and service stations along the road. Two-way radio patrol cars are shortly to run over the road. The road is now being asphalted. In the next few months the Burma