IN CONFUSION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 37, 23 November 1937, Page 5

IN CONFUSION

CHINESE PURSUED BY ’PLANES. LOSS OF PIVOTAL POINT. SECOND “HINDENBURG” LINE. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) SHANGHAI, November 22. The Japanese occupied Wisili, a pivotal point in the second “Hindenburg” line defending Nanking. The Chinese are fleeing in confusion, pursued by ’planes. The Japanse claim that the fall of the city means definite failure of the Chinese to resist the westward advance.

A large Japanese fleet is ceaselessly bombarding Kiangyin in an attempt to blow up the boom across the Yangtse River. Success would enable further flanking movements, but the Chinkiang boom upstream checks ships intending to bombard Nanking. A Japanese ’plane which flew over Nanking to-day dropped a message urging Marshal Chiang Kai-shek to surrender.

Later a Japanese squadron engaged the Chinese over the city, the Chinese using Soviet ’planes for the first time One Japanese ’plane was brought down. Japanese naval men seized the British steamer Kaiying’s cargo of rice, belonging to the Chinese Government, intended for the troops. FULL DISCIPLINARY MEASURES. URGED ON JAPANESE PREMIER. WITH OCCUPATION OF NANKING. (Received This Day, 12.40 p.m.) TOKIO, November 22. Admiral Suetsugu and General Ugaki interviewed the Premier (Prince Konoye) and urged the necessity of full disciplinary measures against China, including occupation of Nanking. Admiral Suetsugu subsequently stated that a declaration of war on China would depend on the development of the situation. BRITISH EMBASSY MOVES. (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) SHANGHAI, November 22. The. British Embassy has decided not to delay the departure from Nanking, and officials will leave for Hankow today.