MANCHURIAN UNREST

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 11492, 20 November 1931, Page 5

MANCHURIAN UNREST

JAPANESE LAUNCH GENERAL ATTACK GENERAL AIA REPLIES WITH OFFENSIVE NONNI RIVER FIGHTING CHINESE FORCED TO RETIRE (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel. Copyright,J PEKIN. Nov. 18. A Manchurian' communique says that at 4 o’clock this morning the Japaneso launched a. general attSick over tho whole length of General Ma Chang-Shan’s line. The situation is serious. Other reports state that fighting broke out at daybreak in the Tsitsihar region with an offensive launched l?y General Ma. Latest dispatches from the Nonni River district say the Chinese right wing was forced to retire before a flank attack by Japanese armoured cars. The Japanese crossed tho Chin- * ese Eastern railway in pursuit of General Ala Chang-Shan’s forces, who are fighting a, rearguard action 30 miles north of the railway.

NO PROGRESS AT LEAGUE COUNCIL JAPANESE ENTER, RUSSIAN SPHERE UNEASINESS OVER, SOVIET’S REPLY JAPAN’S CONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF INQUIRY (U.P.A. by Elec. Tel- Copyright.) LONDON, Nov. 18. Another two days’ incessant discussion, including two meetings or tho League Council, did not advunce tho Manchurian settlement the slightest. Indeed, Mr Sze declares that the position is more serious than ever owing to the Japanese bombing Tsitsihar and advancing. Moreover, the fact that the J a P* anese are astride the Chinese eastern railway, whereby they have entered what is regarded as the Russian sphere of influence; is causing speculation as to Russia’s action m view of the Note of November 15. It is notable that Russia as a non-member of the League will not participate in the official deliberations. but the Soviet Ambassador has shared some unofficial parleys. The Council’s meetings are further complicated by the insistence or Messrs Sze and Yosliizama in speaking their own languages, necessitating lengthy interpretations into English and French. • The points which have most clearlv emerged include the fact that Japan does not want a new treaty confirming the old treaties because that would imply previous doubts as to their validity, hut wants the Chinese to give an undertaking recognising their validity and promising loyal observance. Japan is prepared to accept a mixed inquiry under the auspices of the" League, if its five points are conceded, hut it is doubtful if China and the League are agreeable. Mr Sze circulated a communication condemning the so-called kidnapping of the ex-Eniperur Puyi with a view to establishing him m Mukden, adding that China would regard Puyi’s- bogus government as seditious. JAP COUNTER-ATTACK SUCCEEDS TSITCIIAR BOMBARDED (U.P.A. bv Elec. Tej. CouyrUrht. t (Received Nov. 19. 5. 5 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 18. The Japanese counter-attack was successful' at Tsitchar, which was occupied at 8 o’clock last night. General Ma-Chang-Shau’s troops were driven out. (Received Nov. 19, 7.15 p.m.) SHANGHAI. Nov. 19.. Tho Japanese, in capturing Tsitscliar, acted entirely under the authority of a free hand from Toyko. Tiio casualties are not • stated, though the Japanese used bombing pianos and artillery extensively, whereas the Chinese' were poorly equipped. Tho Japanese wero compelled to take decisive action owing to the severity of the winter and their exposed position, to which conditions the Japanese are not accustomed. There is no information whatever as to whether any damage was done to Tsitschar, where the line crosses the Eastern Chinese railway.