A COUNTER-ATTACK

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 107, 9 May 1938, Page 9

A COUNTER-ATTACK

SUCHOW FRONT

JAPANESE CLAIMS

INITIAL SUCCESSES

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received May 9, 1 p.m.)

SHANGHAI, May 8,

Both Chinese and Japanese sources confirm the launching of an extensive Japanese counter-attack, despite tropical storms, on the Suchow front. The Japanese claim initial successes and that they are delivering secondary offensives in Kaingsu Province and also in the Nanking area, resulting in the occupation of Chaohsien.

The Chinese claim that two Japanese detachments, 4000 and 8000 strong, which are encircled between Taierchwang and Tancheng, are faced with annihilation. The Chinese are delaying the resumption of their general offensive in the hope that the Japanese artillery will become bogged in the mud. Hankow reports a lull in the Shantung operations while the contestants are massing troops in. the Tancheng area, where the Japanese claim minor gains. The following cablegram was received by the Chinese Consul from Hankow this morning:— Severe fighting is still proceeding in various sectors in the south of Shantung, particularly in the vicinity of Tancheng, but there has been no material change in the situation for a fortnight. Since we changed from defence to attack we have completed our enveloping movement at Fengkiayao and Chiehchuan, north-west of Tancheng. North of Pihsien our troops have recaptured Hankiayu and have advanced in the vicinity of Shihuchen. The enemy for several days fiercely attacked Yuwangshan, north of Taierchwang, but aH their attacks were repulsed. In the west of Shansi we recaptured Lishih and repulsed two enemy attacks to regain this town.