FAR EAST CRISIS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 171, 3 May 1933, Page 5

FAR EAST CRISIS.

SERIOUS VIEW IN CHINA. RUSSO-JAPANESE CLASH FEARED (United Press Association —Copyright). (Received This Day, 9.36 a.m.) PEKING, May 2. A grave view is taken by Chinese press of the Chinese Eastern railway controversy arising from the detention of rolling stock which nominally concerns only Russia and Manchukuo, but which is 1 actually a dispute between Russia and Japan. The papers state that three Japanese divisions are concentrating in north Manchuria while large bodies of Russian troops are moving across to Siberia to the maritime provinces. Reliable foreign advices confirm the report that Japanese troops are withdrawing from Jehol to Harbin. Harbin dispatches state that the Russian authorities have ordered their nationals to hold themselves in loneliness for any eventualities. Chinese newsnapers interpret these developments as indicating that a second Russo-Japanese conflict is inevitable. GREAT BATTLE AT THE WALL. ROUT OF 5000 CHINESE. (Received This Day, 9.35 a.m.) KOBE, May 2. Tlie Japanese report a battle at the Great Wall, ending in the complete rout of . 5000. Chinese, with heavy casualties. A strong bandit lorce captuiecl Antu, capital of the Prefecture of Eastern Fengteon, and anxiety is felt for the safety of Manchukuo officials. ALARMIST REPORTS DISCOUNTED OFFICIAL OPINION IN JAPAN. TOKIO, May 1. Officials belittle the alarmist reports from Harbin in regard to the possibility of the Manchukuo-Soviet dispute concerning the Chinese Eastern Railway threatening to develop into a situation endangering peace. A Government spokesman stated to newspaper representatives that serious trouble was not likely. . Manchukuo had asked for some amendment of the working agreement under which tilt, railway” was managed, because the Soviet had prevented Manchukuo oificials participating equally in the management. A Shanghai message says that Manchukuo had given the Soviet, until May 10 to return the locomotives and rolling stock allegedly seized. The Soviet has announced its determination not to accede to the request and was consequently withdrawing Soviet, Customs branches at'Manchuli and Pogranichnaya, while Russian troops were showing some activity beyond Manchuh, and aeroplanes had been flying over Manchukuo territory. ■ -