WAR CLOUDS

Evening Star, Issue 20253, 14 August 1929, Page 9

WAR CLOUDS

REPORTED CLASH IH MANCHURIA SOVIET TROOPS OPEN FIRE Pi'ms l*»oeUtloa-—By Telegraph—Copyright HONGKONG, August 13. A sensational report comes from Chinese sources to-day, stating that fighting broke out between Russian and Chinese .troops on the Manchurian border yesterday morning The report asserts that Soviet troops were demonstrating with tanks on the bordep, when suddenly they wheeled and crossed the border, and opened fire on Kirin troops with machine guns. The Chinese retaliated, and the fighting lasted for an hour,, there being casualties on both sides. It is further alleged that there lias been fighting at several points on the border. Although there has been no official confirmation, reports of this fighting in Manchuria are most persistent, and from sources which are usually reliable. —United Service. SHANGHAI. August 13. A Manchuria message, dated August 12, reports that there were two skirmishes between Soviet and Chinese troops on the border, and both suffered slight casualties. Chinese cavalry scouts were attacked by Soviet machine gunners, and replied. Tho exact number of casualties is not known The above report, which the Japanese confirmed, is from an independent foreign agency, which adds that tho clashes occurred for two hours, two Chinese being killed and ten severely wounded in the vicinity of Kirin. According to information emanating from the Nanking Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Soviet is massing heavy military forces at Suifenhp, and they have frequently invaded Chinese soil, apparently to precipitate war. The position is regarded as extremely critical, and Chinese generals commanding the frontiers are repeatedly asking for instructions in the event of the Soviet attacks becoming more serious. Nanking is reported to have ordered strict forbearance and self-restraint.—-Australian Press Association,

FORMATION OF SPECIAL ARMY. SHANGHAI, August 13, (Received August 14, at 9.20 a.m.) The Tass News Agency announces the formation of a special Far Eastern Army under General Bluecher, former deputy commander of the Ukrainian military district, and an earlier colleague of M. Borodin, the Russian agent. General Bluecher is reported already to have departed eastwards.— Australian Press Association.