CONFIDENT OF VICTORY

Evening Star, Issue 22895, 1 March 1938, Page 9

CONFIDENT OF VICTORY

GENERAL GHIANG KAI-SHEK "CHINA CAN OUTLAST JAPAN" N Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 28. (Received March 1, at 8 a.m.) The ‘ News-Chronicle’s ’ Hankow special correspondent interviewed General Chiang Kai-shek, who gave three reasons why he was confident of success: Firstly, China’s currency cover is still exceptionally high, whereas Japan’s is low. Secondly, the Chinese people have realised that the National Government has made a sincere sustained effort to raise the standard of living, while the Japanese have not been encouraged by a similar conviction. Thirdly, China has unlimited man power for the defence of its own soil. General Chiang Kai-shek admitted that the process of infusing a martial spirit into such a vast country would he inevitably slow. Meantime he did .not fear the Japanese advances, which lengthened the lines of communication and increased Japan’s vulnerability to guerrilla attacks. “We are convinced,” he said, “ that China can outlast Japan.

BATTLE OF LINGSHIH PASS

DEVELOPING IN FAVOUR OF

JAPANESE,

LONDON, February 28

“The battle for Lingsbih Pass is developing favourably for the Japanese, who have gained a footing on both wings of the Chinese first line, but the centre is gallantly resisting,” says the Peking correspondent of ‘ The Times.’ “ The Japanese column, advancing westward from Taiyuan, captured Lishi. The Chinese are retiring south-westerly from Tsining, and have withdrawn before the Japanese from Yenchowfu.”

FOREIGH CARGO RELEASED

SHANGHAI, February 27.

Subject to transportation fees being paid the Japanese released British and American cargo valued at thousands of pounds from two China merchant ships at the Steam Navigation Company’s wharves, outside the International Settlement.

ATTACK ON DR BIRT

SHANGHAI, February 28 (Received March 1, at 11 a.m.)

In reply to the German protest, the Japanese Consul-General expressed regret at the attack on Dr Birt and promised necessary steps after investigation.

The Japanese version is that Dr Birt was slashed by a bayonet attached to a cord which the Japanese sofldier was whirling to keep off a crowd of jeering villagers.

DEFENCES FAIL

JAPANESE POURING INTO SOUTHERN SHANSI.

HANKOW, February 28 (Received March 1, at 10 a.in.)

The Japanese have smashed through the Chinese defences at Lingshih, and are pouring into Southern Shansi. The Japanese earlier captured Pingyangfu, 70 miles south-west of Lingshih.

BRITISH LIVES AND PROPERTY

PROTECTION NORTH OF THE YANGTSE.

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, February 28, (Received March 1, at noon.)

The British reply to the Japanese memorandum suggesting that certain measures should be taken by foreign residents in areas north of the Yangtse for their safety and the protection of their property, advises the Japanese Government that its suggestions have been communicated to the residents in the affected areas, but at the same time points out that Britain will hold Japan responsible for any loss of British lives or damage to British property.

CLAIMS FOR DAMAGE

(British Official Wireless.)

RUGBY, February 28. (Received March 1, at noon.)

The Prime Minister in answer to a question in the House of Commons, said the total number of claims notified to December 30 in respect to looting and wanton damage to British property in Shanghai by the Japanese forces was 102.

MAJOR CHINESE DISASTER

MAIN LINE OF DEFENCE SWEPT ASIDE.

SHANGHAI, February 28. March 1, at 2 p.m.)

The Japanese irruption in Shansi is a major Chinese disaster. A Japanese column from Luanfu is cutting off the Chinese line of retreat, swerving the fugitives westward hclterskelter over the mountains towards the Yellow River. The main Chinese 'ine of defence, consisting of 100,000 troops, extei ding 20 miles, was swept aside.

Chinese officials admit that the situation is critical. Any recovery in Shansi is unlikely.

CHINA’S MAN POWER

HANKOW, February 28 (Received March 1, at 2 p.m.)

“ Our casualties are only 500,000, which is comparatively insignificant,” declared General Pai Chung-hsi, Chinese Chief of Stall'. He added: “ Not until our sacrifices are 50,000,000 or 100,000,000 need we despair. It takes three Chinese to kill one Japanese, for which we need only 100,000,000 to exterminate Japan’s entire male population.”- '