AIR BATTLE OVER NANCHANG

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22446, 6 July 1938, Page 11

AIR BATTLE OVER NANCHANG

SEVERE BOMBING BY JAPANESE

FIFTY CHINESE MACHINES REPORTED LOST (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received July 5, 5.5 p.m.) SHANGHAI, July 4. Fifty Japanese aeroplanes, dropping hundreds of bombs in an effort to destroy the Nanchang air base, engaged in a fierce air battle, in which they claim to have sent down 50 of the Chinese machines, representing almost the entire front line, ii. furious dog-fights. They also demolished the old and new aerodromes, losing only one aeroplane. . . The Japanese assert that eight Chinese bombers which were shot down at Anking were of Soviet manufacture and were piloted by I? 11ecione A Shanghai message says the Japanese claim the capture of Ilukow, opening up the way for the drive to Nanchang by land and water. A message from Tokyo says the capture of Hukow gives Japan control of 440 miles of the Yangtse river. The boom at Matang has been demolished, and 256 mines swept up. Half a dozen Chinese minelayers and a dozen high-speed motor tor-pedo-boats are opei'ating between Hankow and Kiukiang. A British gunbot'is the only foreign vessel remaining at Kiukiang.

FRANCE OCCUPIES ISLANDS

SEAPLANE BASE NEAR INDOCHINA APPREHENSION REPORTED IN TOKYO LONDON, July 4. It is confirmed in London that France has occupied the Paracel Islands, north-east of Hainan Island. The islands, which are within easy flying distance of Indo-China, comprise a series of reefs and lagoons suitable for a seaplane base. They are not permanently settled, and it is therefore in the interest of France that they do not fall into the hands of another Power. France has notified Britain of the occupation. The Domei News Agency reports that Japan lacks official notification of the occupation. The position is being watched with concern, and Japan may make representations to France on the ground that the islands belong to China. The landing was carried out by a force of Annamite police. The islands are used as a base by 20 Japanese seaweed gatherers. The Tokyo correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” states that the press declares that the French occupation of the Paracels is illegal, as violating Chinese sovereignty and integrity, but there is, nevertheless, an apprehensive note.