CHINESE RETREAT

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 53, 26 November 1929, Page 11

CHINESE RETREAT

SERIOUS ATTACK BY SOVIET FORCES IMPORTANT captures THREAT TO OCCUPY HARBIN (United Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Shanghai, November 24. It Is announced that the threat of Soviet forces to occupy Harbin within a month appears to be approaching materialisation, following the reported capture of Hailar after a serious combined cavalry, tank, and aeroplane attack, which resulted in a complete loss of morale on the part of the Chinese forces, who are retreating rapidly. It is reported that there were twelve thousand casualties. The Reds also captured Muling, the Chinese retreating in disorder. Following an incessant bombardment of Manchuli, the Soviet’s official confirmation of the occupation of the town, also Chalanor, has been received here. Chinese sources state that Red troops, assisted by Mongols, are now in possession, eye-witnesses stating that the Russians attacked with tanks and aeroplanes, completely wrecking the major portion of the town.

Many residents, who descended to the coal mines to escape the bombardment, perished following the wreckage of the pumping machinery. An aerial bombardment and a general Soviet attack destroyed the Tasgan railway station, forcing the evacuation of the town. The Chinese main line forces are withdrawing from the frontier defences from Hailar to Buchatu, 150 miles distant, abandoning all the territory west of the Khiagan Mountains. Twenty-four military trains are being held in readiness in event of a further retreat. It is believed that more than a thousand persons perished following the flooding of the mines at Manchuli, in addition to those reported missing in the Dalainor district. A Japanese correspondent at Harbin reports that a thousand Chinese civilians and soldiers who took refuge in a coal mine in the Dalainor district from Soviet air raids were buried alive. Bombs caused a landslide- at the mine mouth. The activity of the Soviet forces at Dalainor prevents the dispatch of relief trains.