(d) China. The primary objective of the present Japanese offensive in China is probably to eliminate or neutralise American air bases in Southern China. Japan may also be intending to open up direct railway communications between North China and Burma. The Japanese are unlikely to conduct large scale operations against Chengtu, Chungking or Kunming. They will, however, try to weaken the Chungking regime by political means and by reducing food supplies to China. (e) Russia. Japan is trying to improve her relations with Russia but is continually haunted by the fear that eventually Russia may enter the war against her.