JAPAN’S BIG PUSH

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 6, 2 October 1937, Page 11

JAPAN’S BIG PUSH

Counter-Attacks By Chinese

SHANGHAI FRONT Invaders Claim Success In North o - By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. ' London, September 30. A message from Shanghai states that a force of 100,000 Japanese are doing their utmost to implement, the promise of a big push, but the Chinese counterattacks which have been vigorously delivered in view of the knowledge that four more Japanese transports are about to discharge reinforcements, seem to have pinned the invaders in their positions around Chapei and Lotion.

Peking reports that the Japanese operating on the northern front captured Fanchin and Shoshien, in Shansi province, outflanking the Chinese, who are holding the Yemen Pass. The Japanese also claim to have driven off the Chinese from Sienhsien, the occupation of which gives Count Terancbf a valuable strategic link between hifi forces, which are advancing southward along the two main railways. Chinese aeroplanes shot down two large Japanese bombers, who were attempting to destroy a railway bridge near Lohcheong. The Chinese Central News agency reports from Swahow that three Japanese warships seized and burned scores of Chinese fishing junks, and that the Japanese sank a Chinese steamer near Whampoa and the transport Mofung near Lin fa. The British United Press agency at Nanking says that the last three air raids have been limited strictly to military objectives. The Chinese tenacity in Shansi Province has strengthened hopes of an effective reorganisation of the resistance at Eaotingfu and Tsangchow. The Domci news agency says that the Japanese at Shanghai are within two miles and a half of the Chinese base at Kiating. THIRD DAY OF PUSH Chinese Line Intact The following cablegram was received by the Chinese Consul at Wellington from Nanking yesterday morning “On the third day of the Japanese big push, the Chinese line remained intact. The Japanese forces were unable to locate a weak spot. The Chinese troops counter-attacked at Chapei and dislodged the Japanese from their positions. The concentration of the artillery fire this morning at Kiangwan and Chapei was unprecedented, the Chinese batteries vigorously replying.

“The Chinese air forces bombed the Japanese supplies at Yangtzepoo, and the Japanese warship Idzumi. “Japanese in plain clothes disguised as refugees filtered through the Chinese lines from Woosung, but were discovered and surrounded. “Four additional Japanese transports with needed reinforcements arrived to-day. “Foreign newsmen visiting the Chinese front declare that, the Chinese troops’ 1 morale is excellent.” ( SUPPLY OF PLANES British Permit Issued Before Hostilities (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, September 30. It is explained in official quarters that the permit issued to the Gloster Aircraft Company for the supply of planes to China was arranged long before hostilities began. The terms of the contract provided for mechanics to go out with the machines in order to assemble them. There is no question of British pilots flying the aeroplanes. SINKING OF JUNKS Report By German Liner (British Official Wireless.) j Rugby, September 30. In connection with the incident In which a Japanese submarine is reported to have sunk Chinese fishing junks, it is understood that certain facts have been reported by the German liner Seharnhorst. The British and colonial authorities at Hong-Kong are holding an inquiry.