MEDIATION IN CHINA?

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22443, 2 July 1938, Page 15

MEDIATION IN CHINA?

HONG KONG RUMOURS

STATEMENT BY MARSHAL CHIANG KAI-SHEK

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (Received July 2, 12.15 a.m.) HONG KONG, July 1. The presence of the British, German. and Italian ambassadors and the Swedish and Swiss ministers continues, and is the basis for a rumour of mediation in the Chinese war, or a loan to China. In a statement. Marshal Chiang Kai-shek said: “China does not welcome British or other mediation unless it restores Chinese sovereignty.” Sir Archibald Clark Kerr (British Ambassador to China), in an interview on his visit to Hankow, said it was in no way connected with mediation.

REVERSES ADMITTED BY CHINESE

HEAVY FIGHTING ON BANK OF YANGTSE

LONDON, June 30,

It is admitted at Hankow that the Chinese “suicide units,” which were defending the two remaining forts at Matang, were compelled to evacuate their positions, in spite of the arrival of reinforcements.

Heavy fighting is in progress on a 15-mile front on the south bank of the Yangtse from Matang. The Chinese admit the loss of the Matang boom, but they are assembling their troops to oppose the Jananese advance to the westward along the south bank of the Yangtse-kiang Chinese aircraft are ceaselessly bombing the Japanes warships below the boom.

Chinese guerrilla forces from the hills north-west of the city are advancing towards Shanhaikwan.

SOVIET ASSISTANCE TO CHINA

INCREASE REPORTED FROM TOKYO

(Received July 2 t 12.20 a.m.)

TOKYO, July 1

The Japanese Foreign Office has received information of increased Soviet assistance to China by the provision of munitions and credits.

POPE PROTESTS TO JAPAN

ROME, June 30

It is revealed that the Pope recently communicated to Japan a protest against the bombing of open citiqs. The Japanese Minister for War (General Itagaki) replied that the utmost was being done to ensure the safety of civilians.