CHINESE CIVIL WAR

Evening Star, Issue 19617, 25 July 1927, Page 5

CHINESE CIVIL WAR

NORTHERNERS BREAK FAITH NATIONALIST ARMY ROUTED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. SHANGHAI, July 23. Despite persistent reports of an armistice between tho Nationalists and the Northern armies, Japanese messages from Shantung state that a crushing defeat has been administered to the Nationalists by tho forces of Chang Chun-chang and Sun Chuanfangil Tho Nationalists were routed, thousands being killed and taken prisoner.

Tho Nationalists arc making a desperate losing struggle to retain Hsuchow, which is the most, important strategic point in the province, but it is believed that the Northerners will be certain to capture it It is considered that tho Northerners ignored tho armistice, and seized the opportunity to attack the Nationalists when they were weakened as a result of the withdrawal of a large number of troops for the defence of Nanking from an impending attack by' tho Hankow armies. _ The first withdrawals of British troops were made to-day', when the Gloucester and Durham regiments departed for India. NORTHERNERS’ DRIVE CONTINUED. SHANGHAI, July 21. (Received July 25, at 10 a.m.) Tho Northerners arc continuing their drive southwards. The Cantonese, scarcely resisting them, have lost three armored cars, and 3,500 of their troops have been taken prisoner. It is reported that Hsuchow was captured this morning.