CHINESE CONFLICT

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 78, 26 December 1925, Page 5

CHINESE CONFLICT

THE SWAY OF BATTLE DECISIVE ATTACK Toldo, December 23. Tlie Foreign Office states that General Kuo Sung-Liu is expected to completely defeat General Chang IsoLm within tlie next few days, upon which the Japanese troops . contemplate turning over the city to him. If Chang Tso-Lin’s retreating soldiers appear at Mukden thev will be disarmed at the entrance of 'the six-mile zone. Chang Tso-Lin assembled his leading supporters, and in a farewell speech stated that reports from the front indicated that the enemy had just opened a decisive attack. He said that if tlie Mukden armv was defeated lie would take refuge elsewhere.—Reuter.

Peking, December 23. A wireless message from Tientsin states that Feng Yu Hsiang’s . roops after a heavy artillery fire, attacked Liclfing-Lin troops, who were outnumbered bv three to one, and were driven back from four to five kilometres to the reserve lines. The Feng forces Ire expected to reach Tientsin soon Liching-Lin, however, has gone to the front to organise a last stand. Reuter. DESPERATE RALLY (Rec. December 25, 5.5 p.m.) Shanghai, December 24. 'A wireless message from Tientsin dated yesterday states that LichingLing retreated almost to the city limit, where he desperately rallied. Subse quently. however, his defence was completely broken down and his forces fled to the Chinese city, where they as considerable looting.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable A !l ' Peking, December 24. A Tientsin message states that Licn-iug-Lin with his staff has fled to the Japanese concession, where extraordinary precautions were taken to prevent the ingress of the defeated soldiers. British volunteers were called our. Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Tokio, December 24. . The Fengticn forces reoccupied Paikipu, Kuo Sung-Lin’s army retreating, leaving guns and munitions. Reports indicate that Kuo Sung-Lin received a serious setback in face of a wide Chang Tso-Lin advance. Official advices from Mukden confirm Chang’s victory, though Japanese military circles appear to be divided whether the success is temporary or de-cisive.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

JAPANESE POSITION

NO MEDIATION Tokio, December 23. Cabinet has discussed the question of Manchuria and also of the anit[apanese spirit in China. It decided that it was regrettable, but Japans present course was necessary for protection. It was further reiterated that Japan was absolutely neutral, and haS no intention to acquire increased influence or any other ulterior motives. She intends to quite Mukden as soon as possible. Cabinet also decided that Japan will not suggest mediation between Kuo Sung-Lin and Chang Tso-Lin as it is believed such a suggestion might create a fresh misunderstanding of japan’s attitude.—Reuter.