~J
 
A
 
                    WAR DEPARTMENT
               OFFICE OF THE CHIEFOF STAFF
                      WASH I N GTO N
 
 
                                        April 29, 1942.
 
 
MEM0RANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT:
 
                  I quote below a message which has just come in from Stilwell, which will be of
interest to you. Attached is a map labeling the important points noted:
 
        "Withdrawal to Mandalay position between mountains tonight. 38th Division to be west of
Irrawaddy astride Shwebo Road. British west of 38th alcng north bank of river. 22d and 96th on
north bank of Myinge River. One regiment 28th in reserve. Remainder of 21st enroute and
blocking off on roads south of Hsipaw and Lashio. 200th division wiped out a Jap Battalion at
Taunggyi and is working toward Lollera again.
 
        Jap force that went north from Loilem over half way to Hsipaw. Japs strong on
Pyinmana-Mandalay Road and are attacking Pyawbwe. 96th has been roughly handled --over 60
per cent casualties.
 
        British Headquarters gone to Shwebo. We will set up there also. Very difficult to get
withdrawal coordinated but hope it will go off Satisfactorily.
 
!
        Chinese staff work pretty sad. British rear guard from Meikti lax. 1 Brigade Indian Division
plus tank Brigade half way. Bottle-neck at Ava Brigade - only bridge over Irrawaddy. Japs trying
to bomb it. Considerable transport already on north side. Future moves uncertain Rains have not
begun yet. We are all keeping busy. Regret losing Colonel Brown from Mission but approve
release."
 
                         CHIEF OF STAFF