DANGERS IN JAPANESE ATTITUDE

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22250, 15 November 1937, Page 9

DANGERS IN JAPANESE ATTITUDE

Strong Views Expressed At

Brussels Conference

NO LEGAL JUSTIFICATION FOR ACTION

Advances in North China

The dangers of world war inherent in the attitude of Japan were emphasised in discussion at the Brussels conference, which adopted in principle a draft declaration, prepared by Great Britain, France, America, and Belgium, sweepingly attacking the ideas put forward by Japan in her Note refusing to attend the conference.

The declaration stated that there was no legal justification for invading another country's territory to prevent the spread of political doctrines. Such a view would lead to general anarchy. The signatories to the treaty had to consider what action to take when one of them claimed to set it aside.

The Powers approved an Italian suggestion for further consultation with Japan.

In North China the Japanese have made further advances. Their latest threat is to Soochow, Wjhose residents have been warned to leave the city. It is feared that they intend bombing the city. Now that the fighting has passed beyond Shanghai the city is quiet for the first time in months.

NEW offensive

BOMBING OF SOOCHOW

EXPECTED

WAR PASSES AWAY FROM

SHANGHAI

(Received November 14, 10 p.m.) SHANGHAI, November 13. An indication that the next Japanese offensive will smash the Chinese left flank between Kiating and Liuho was given in a leaflet distributed from the air for residents of Soochow—China's Venice—warning them to evacuate the city by midnight. From this it is feared that the Japanese intend mass bombing of this rather unapproachable city.

The American Ambassador has requested the Japanese to observe a safety zone, including the hospital, containing at least 20,000 Chinese v/ounded.

Sandbags are already disappearing from Shanghai buildings now that the fighting has passed on. For the first time in three months the city is tranquil. The Chinese army is already 35 miles distant. The Japanese, heavily reinforced, and close on the heels of the retreating Chinese armies* have captured an important strategic point at Kiating, driving the Chinese defenders from the Tatsang-Kunshan line. Huge fires are raging at Nantao.

Many Chinese officials are going to Hong Kong from Shanghai, and numerous business administrations have been transferred to Nanking. The Japanese in Northern China heavily bombed from the air Sianfu, the capital of the Shansi Province. They destroyed hangars and aeroplanes. The British Ambassador (Sir Robert Craigie) has denied reports that the British Government has authorised the Commander-in-Chief at Shanghai to repel the Japanese in the event of an attack on the International Settlement.

The Washington correspondent of the United Press states that the United States is prepared to join the other nations in a vigorous protest if Japan attempts to control the Shanghai International Settlement. It is understood that the United States has no intention of withdrawing her troops in spite of the possibilities of a clash with Japan.

' JAPANESE NOTE

REASONS FOR NOT ATTENDING

LONDON, November 12.

The Japanese Note refusing to attend the Brussels Conference states: "It is impossible for Japan to attend a conference convened in accordance with a treaty that she is accused of violating. Japan is convinced that an attempt to negotiate through a collective body like the Brussels Conference would only arouse popular feeling in China and Japan and hinder a satisfactory solution. Japan would be glad if the Powers would contribute to the stabilisation of East Asia in a manner consistent with the realities of the situation.

AGAINST BRITISH

ATTITUDE

JAPANESE DEMONSTRATION

PLANNED

TOKYO, November 12. The Conservative leader, Mr Teijiro Yamamoto, and other representatives have decided to organise a demonstration against the British attitude towards Japan.

MISSION HOSPITAL BOMBED

LONDON, November 12. Bombs from Japanese aeroplanes (Etruck the American Church Mission's hospital at Wusih, 70 miles from Shanghai, killing two Chinese *\nd injuring several. No Americans >~*.r. a iniured. '

CHINESE ARMY DEFEATED

NANKING SCENE FOR

NEXT MOVE

RED CROSS ESTIMATE

OF LOSSES

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCI.VTIOS: —COPYBIGHT.) (Received November 14, 10.30 p.m.) PEIPING, November 13. The Japanese announce that China's crack 29th Army was defeated at Kaocheng, south-west of Peking, near the junction of the Taiyuan, Peking, and Hankow railways.

A message from Tokyo says the Domei News Agency reports that 100,000 Chinese troops are trapped in a Japanese pincers movement at Chaochungchiao, south of the Soochow creek. The Japanese reached Kashing, 50 miles south-east of Shanghai. The next stage of the drama will have Nanking as the background. The Agency also states that, fearing serious epidemics after the fighting in North China, the Foreign Office has dispatched a medical mission to investigate conditions and decide on preventive measures.

It is reported from Shanghai that the Japanese line extends 62 miles from Liuho via Siahochiao to Kashan.

International Red Cross members estimate the Chinese losses at 150,000 killed and 150,000 wounded. ~ The remaining Chinese units isolated at Nantao escaped or were annihilated after the Japanese took control of Shanghai, while 5000 Chinese are interned in the French Concession.

The Emperor of Japan in a message to the Army in North China admits that lasting peace is still a long way off. This contrasts with his speech on September 4, indicating its speedy establishment The message appreciates the Army's courage in overcoming obstacles and urges it to redouble its efforts.

ITALY'S ATTITUDE TO CONFERENCE

(Received November 14, 10.30 p.m.)

ROME, November 12

Count Ciano, Minister for Foreign Affairs, received Mr Hotta, the Japanese Ambassador. It is believed they discussed Italy's attitude to the Brussels Conference.

JAPANESE STAFF OFFICER

VISITS BERLIN

(Received November 14, 11.30 p.m.)

BERLIN, November 13,

Colonel Takahashi, of the Japanese General Staff, has arrived at Berlin after visiting Washington. London, Paris, and Warsaw. He will confer with the Japanese Ambassador on the war situation.

MEDICAL SUPPLIES

CONSIGNMENT FROxM LONDON

fBSITISB OSTICIAX 'WIBELX9S.)

(Received November 14, 7 p.m.)

RUGBY, November 12,

A second consignment of medical supplies from London by the Lord Mayor's Fund for the relief of distress in China, and comprising surgical instruments and dressings to the value of £6OOO, will be sent next Friday. ...- .