WAR FOR YEARS IF NECESSARY

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 74, 21 December 1937, Page 11

WAR FOR YEARS IF NECESSARY

Marshal Chiang Determined

REORGANISATION OF THE ARMY PLANNED

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.

(Received December 20, 6.35 p.m.)

London, December 20.

All the heads of the Chinese Government are assembled at Hankow under Marshal Chiang Kai-shek, who is planning the reorganisation of the army, the creation of additional national forces, an increase in agricultural production and tile development of the armaments industry. Tlie Government intends to continue the war for years, if necessary. “TIME TO BOTH SIDES” Cessation Of Hostilities Possible GENERAL MATSUI’S HINT Tokio, December 19. General Iwane Matsui, Japanese Com-mander-in-Chief in China, in a statement, said : — “As it is becoming colder and because the end of the year is fast approaching, I am inclined io give time to both sides. This will allow the Chinese troops and people to reconsider their attitude, while enabling the Imperial forces to reorganise and perfect their powers.”

General Matsui admitted that his army, after four months of ceaseless warfare, was greatly fatigued. Future operations depended on Marshal Chiang Kai-shek. “I am rather sympathetic over the enormous losses of Chinese troops and people,” he added, “and I hope the day will come when the National Government will reconsider its attitude. It would be a matter for regret if the Japanese forces were obliged to continue to advance until the Chinese Government surrendered.” An earlier message stated that Cabinet, following five conferences with Imperial headquarters, has agreed on a new policy following the fall of Nanking. The decision is now being reported to the Emperor. . CANTON CONCESSION

Japanese Planes Drop

Bombs

FRENCH GUNS REPLY

(Received December 20, 7.45 p.m.)

Hong-Kong, December 20.

French anti-aircraft units in the Canton Concession fired on Japanese planes which had dropped bombs near the Concession. All foreigners have been warned to prepare to evacuate Canton 7 at a moment’s notice. 7