SOUTH CHINA

Evening Star, Issue 23103, 1 November 1938, Page 9

SOUTH CHINA

JAPANESE ADVANCE CONTINUES CHINESE FORGES REFORMING Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright SHANGHAI, October 31. The Japanese, five miles from South Sienning, are pursuing the Chinese, whose forces from Hankow are aligning themselves at Sinto Puchi, Tsungyang, Waning, and Loki. IMPORTANT BASE CAPTURED TOKIO, October 31. (Received November 1, at 8 a.m.) The Japanese claim to-have captured Sienning, an important base on the Canton-Hankow railway and the woodlands to the west, where the retreating Chinese are in danger of encirclement. ' \ DAMAGE TO BRITISH PROPERTY NO PAYMENTS BY JAPAN. LONDON, October 31. (Received November 1, at 11 a.m.) The Australian Associated Press says Britain is approaching Japan regarding the possibility of reopening the Canton-Hankow railway. The Japanese have not yet shown their intention of redeeming the mounting damages to British property. Official circles state that the suggestions of closing the door to foreign trade are premature. Capital investment is Britain’s main interest, while the United States and Germany are the larger exporters. JAPANESE CLAIM PUTTING A RING AROUND CHINESE. TOKIO, October 31. (Received November 1, at 11 a.m.) > The Japanese, operating on the Yangtse, claim that they are tightening a ring 200 miles in circumference around 50 retreating Chinese divisions. CANADIAN MINISTER AT TOKIO RESIGNS OTTAWA, October 31. (Received November 1, at 12.35 p.m.) The Government announces the resignation of the Hon. Randolph Bruce, who was appointed Canadian Minister at Tokio in 1936. In the last session of the House of Commons Opposition members alleged that the Hon. Mr Bruce played with partiality towards Japan in his addresses regarding the hostilities in China. ADVANCE ALONG RAILWAY HELD UP INCREASING GUERRILLA * WARFARE. LONDON, October 31. (Received November 1, at 1 p.m.) The Hongkong correspondent of 1 The Times ’ says the Japanese navy has cleared the Canton River, but the city remains deserted.

The Chinese state that the Japanese advancing along the Canton-Hankow railway have been brought to a standstill, while the Chinese are threatening Samshui. There are increasing guerrilla. activities east of the river area, where the peasantry are revolting against the Japanese exactions. The Japanese have closed the gates of the Hankow concessions, which are now under martial law. THE JAPANESE PEOPLE FUTURE HARD AND DRAB. LONDON, October 31. (Received November 1, at 1.30 p.m.) The Tokio correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says the Japanese command is resigned to the main' body of the Chinese Central Armies remaining intact, the Japanese contenting themselves with mopping-up and consolidation. The future is seen as hard and drab for the Japanese people, who are being schooled for it. The national leaders are dissatisfied with their own constant enjoiuders to patience and contemplate more drastic measures in the direction of forming, under Prince Konoye’s leadership, a single political party on totalitarian lines to which the Seiykai and Minseito Parties and the moderately responsive Left Wing Social Mkuxi Party are definitely hostile. The Prime Minister may be compelled to assume at least the titular role of dictator. The Mobilisation Council has approved a draft of ordinances providing for the special training of technicians for national service ir. factories and workshops, which wiii be expanded and improved