FIGHTING BEGINS

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 81, 30 December 1931, Page 9

FIGHTING BEGINS

Engagement in Manchuria ATTACK BY JAPANESE Armoured Train Destroyed By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Rec. December 30, 1 a.tn.) Shanghai, December 29. Severe fighting broke out between the Chinese and the Japanese at Panshan in Southern Manchuria today, the Japanese contending that action was necessary owing to the Chinese massing their forces. Apparently the intention is to attack Hsin-Min-Fu, though it is believed that the Japanese really Intended to capture Kowpangtze as a preliminary to moving toward Chinchow. The Japanese under General Tamon began an offensive early in the morning, engaging an armoured train in the vicinity of Panshan, which ultimately was completely destroyed. Aeroplane bombing was carried out and it is reported that the fighting generally is proceeding in favour of the Japanese. Details are not available-

Earlier it was unofficialy rejrorted that the Japanese military headquarters are already established witninr 50 miles of Chinchow. The eyes of the entire Chinese nation are turned on Chinchow, and momentous developments are expected to follow its capture? . The Japanese seemingly are determined to push the Chinese across the Great WaFL It is reported that Chinese Bhuddlsts have telegraphed, offering their services in a military capacity to the Government It is estimated that there are 800,000 Bhuddist monks throughout the country, and that possibly 200,000 are fit for service.

BANDITS AS QUARRYMore Japanese Moving Up Tokio, December 28. A mixed brigade from Korea will to-day reinforce the troops in Manchuria who are engaged In eradicating the bandits at present ravaging the C °The Government has declared that it has no intention of driving out the Chinese regular army from Chinchow, but unless it ceases instigating and supporting the bandits a clash is considered eventually to be inevitable.