CAPTURE OF NANKING DELAYED

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22271, 9 December 1937, Page 11

CAPTURE OF NANKING DELAYED

Japanese Await Reinforcements From Wuhu POSSIBLE CHANGE IN CHINESE POLICY Tokyo Leaves Initiative to Central Government While Japanese troops now surround Nanking, it is reported that the general advance on the capital is being delayed until the Japanese have captured Wuhu, thus ensuring full support from the attacking troops in the southwest. It is apparent that the Chinese are determined to leave nothing in Nanking which could be of service to the Japanese. Buildings, ammunition dumps, and hangars have been destroyed, and even aeroplanes under repair have been demolished. As evidence of good faith 15 Europeans are remaining in‘the “safety zone” at Nanking. It is hoped that their heroism will prevent a holocaust. Reports from Shanghai suggest that Marshal Chiang Kai-shek may resign from office to make way for a successor more disposed to compromise with Japan. The Japanese attitude, as stated by the Government spokesman, is one of waiting for China to make the next move. The Tokyo newspapers emphasise that the fall of Nanking will not mean the end of guerrilla warfare in China.