CHINESE BREAK THROUGH

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 93, 13 January 1939, Page 9

CHINESE BREAK THROUGH

Surprise Attack On Shansi Front

JAPANESE DRIVEN BACK 20 MILES

Many Towns Claimed To Have Been Recaptured

By Telegraph.—Press Aesn.—Copyright. LONDON, January 11.

The Hong Kong correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that after the cessation of falls of snow and rain on the Shansi front, the Chinese threw in 60,000 fresh troops and launched a sudden offensive across the Yellow River from Shensi Province.

It is claimed that they advanced 20 miles along a 60-mile front in 24 hours.

The Japanese were driven back from the flooded river area, the Chinese capturing more than 60 towns, including Chichsien and Siangning. The offensive completely surprised the Japanese, who were forced to abandon large quantities of materials. Guerrilla activity is unabated.

The Chinese in Shantung are reported to have reached the outskirts of Wei-Hai-Wei, as a result of which the Japanese have appealed for naval reinforcements.

Guerrillas are also stated to be in complete possession of the Shantung Peninsula. A mixed force in South China has recaptured Sheklung, an important junction on the Canton-Hong Kong railway. ‘ The Chinese, during the past fortnight, have recaptured a number of towns, bottling up the Japanese in Canton except for a narrow strip within the range of gunboats on the Pearl River.

200 WARPLANES FROM U.S.A. FOR CHINA

8,000,000-Dollar Order To Be Delivered By March

(Received January 12, 9.30 p.m.)

WILMINGTON (Delaware), Jan. 12. The Bellanca Aircraft Corporation has disclosed that it signed a contract with the Chinese Government in August for 200 fighting planes costing 8,300,000 dollars. The machines are a combination of fighter and bomber. They are to be delivered by March. Each will mount five guns and carry seven 3001 b. bombs. The “New York Herald-Tribune's” Washington corespondent says that the planes will provide General Chiang Kai-shek with improved equipment to carry on his guerrilla warfare against the Japanese.

DEATH DEMANDED FOR •PROPOSING PEACE

SHANGHAI, January 11

According to a message from Chungking, military leaders in South China sent a telegram to General Chiang Kai-shek demanding the immediate execution for treason of- Mr. Wang Chingwei, vice-president of the Kuomintang, as a sequel to his peace proposals.