MAUNGDAW: Since the occupation of Maungdaw a fortnight ago, supplies are being rushed forward by Mule, Coolies, Sampans, steamer and Dug-Out Canoe, writes [correspondent, Jan 5].

Once more there is war activity in Burma, but it is a changed situation since last year. Our troops are better trained in jungle warfare, and are advancing instead of retreating with considerably more air-support.

The local Muslim population is cooperating with our forces. Boatmen, who are working in the front-line, taking troops and supplies down the Nayu river and working on other waterways have shown great courage. There have been Japanese patrols from the bank and when [correspondent`s] sampan was machine-gunned by Japanese planes recently they continued to row, although the planes were firing within a few feet of them. One continued rowing until he was killed. The army is looking after his family to whom a pension is being given.

When volunteers were asked from villagers to row the Sampan after all its occupants except one were wounded, there was no difficulty in getting them.-Dawn Delhi