WAR IN CHINA

Evening Post, Volume cxxiv, Issue 148, 20 December 1937, Page 11

WAR IN CHINA

HOSTILITIES MAY CEASE

"TIME TO BOTH SIDES"

GENERAL MATSUTS STATEMENT

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph-^-Copyriglit.)

(Received December 20, noon.) TOKIO, December 19. General Iwane Matsui, Japanese Commander-in-Chief, in a statement, said:— ■

"As it is becoming colder and because the end of the year is fast approaching, I am inclined to 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 General Chiang Kai-shek. :

"I am rather sympathetic over the enormous losses of Chinese troops and people," he said, "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. . •