NEW JAPANESE OFFENSIVE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22345, 8 March 1938, Page 13

NEW JAPANESE OFFENSIVE

DRIVE TO YELLOW RIVER HEAVY BOMBARDMENT AT LOYANG REPORTED DEFEAT OF CHINESE DEFENDERS (UKITED PEBSB ASSOCIATIOH—COPIEIGHT.) (Received March 7, 11.30 p.m.) SHANGHAI, March 6. . The Japanese opened their campaign to secure the Yellow river with an intensive bombardment of the Chinese on the opposite bank at Loyang, where they are defending an elaborate trench system. Battling through snowstorms in the mountain passes, the Japanese reached Hoku, six miles from the Yellow river. Most of the defenders fled.

Japanese shells destroyed 150 Chinese river craft at Loyang.

Bombing aeroplanes raided Chengchow and other centres.

It is reported that Marshal Chiang Kai-shek is determined to prevent the Japanese crossing the river, and that he has assumed personal command of the Chinese forces.

Recent rumours that many Manchukuo and Mongolian troops, under Japanese command, have joined the Chinese forces, have been confirmed. A message from Shanghai states that the "Chinese Evening Post" office was bombed. Three were wounded.

Another bomb was thrown at a Chinese boys' school in the French Concession. Four of the staff, but no children, were injured.

THE ANTPCOMMUNIST

PACT

STATEMENT OF JAPANESE

POLICY

TOKYO, March 6,

The Prime Minister of Japan (Prince Konoye), in the Diet, reaffirmed his intention to strengthen the anti-Communist Pact. He added that he would redouble his efforts to increase friendly relations with Britain, France, and America.

MAIL CENSORSHIP AT SHANGHAI

SHANGHAI, March 6,

There is every indication that the Japanese are instituting a censorship of all mails. Japanese censors have been carrying out observations at the main post office for a week. A spokesman affirms Japan's right of censorship of all Chinese foreign mails. ________________