MANCHURIAN CRISIS

Evening Star, Issue 20988, 30 December 1931, Page 7

MANCHURIAN CRISIS

CHINA AND JAPAN SERIOUS CLASH REPORTED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. SHANGHAI, December 29. Fighting broke out between the Chinese and Japanese at Pensham, in Southern Manchuria, to-day. The Japanese contend that action was necessary owing to the Chinese massing forces apparently with tho intention of attacking Hsimuingting, though it is really believed that tbe Japanese intend to capture Kaopangtzo as a preliminary to moving toward Chinchow.

The Japanese, under General Tamon, began an offensive early this morning, engaging an armoured train in the vicinity of Panshan, which was ultimately completely destroyed by aeroplane bombing. It is reported that the fighting is generally proceeding in favour of the Japanese, but details are not available.

JAPAN'S PROTEST

NOTE TO LEAGUE. • GENEVA, December 29. (Received December 30, at 12.5 p.m.) A Japanese Note to tho League of Nations alleges that tho Chinese military authorities at Chinchow are encouraging bandits, whoso activities are increasing. The outrages between November 1 and December 10 numbered 1,529. Despite their promises, the Chinese at Chinchow have not withdrawn within tho Great Wall. The Japanese have been compelled to fight robbers in the whole of Southern Manchuria, and must advance to the west of tho Liao River, whore the bandits’ base is situated.

CHINESE WITHDRAW FROM GHINGHOW PEKING, December 29. (Received December 30, at 12.10 p.m.) To-night Hsueh-liang the troops in Chinchow and the vicinity to withdraw inside the Great Wall. It is officially explained that this decision was actuated solely by the desire to give the Japanese no pretext for further aggression in North China, especially in the Peking-Tientsin area. The withdrawal has already begun and will proceed as rapidly as possible. Despatches reaching Chang Hsuehliang’s headquarters from Chinchow indicate that the Japanese forces are advancing up the Yingkow-Kaopangtze branch line, have occupied Panshan, and are threatening Kaopangtze.—London ‘ Times ’ Cable.