WAR IN CHINA

Grey River Argus, 18 February 1932, Page 5

WAR IN CHINA

EVE OF BIG BATTLE Japanese Offensive AGAINST CHAPEL (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) SHANGHAI, February 16. Shanghai is nervously awaiting the offensive which the new Japanese troops are expected to launch on February 17. The Japanese are performing rehearsals preparatory to the attempt to capture Chapei. Three large fires were started at dusk in the Kiangwa area where the Japanese are taking positions. Cessation of heavy firing around the Settlement, with intensive military preparations by both sides, is causing the authorities more alarm than the actual Chapei fighting, since the pending hostilities will undoubtedly drive ( he Chinese towards the Settlement boundaries.

CHINESE GET READY. (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn). SHANGHAI, February 16. The Chinese are apparently preparing to meet the Japanese offensive as heavy reinforcements arrived. A large concentration is taking place along a wide front. The Chinese lines are in some places barely half a mile from the Japanese, but both sides are withholding fire.

The rumour that Chiang Kai Shek is coming to Shanghai to assist the defences was strengthened to-day, when two thousand of his personal crack troops reached Chengju. Five Chinese Army Corps, under Fengy Uhsiang, are concentrating in the Shanghai-Nanking railway area. JAP. ULTIMATUM. SHANGHAI. February 16. The Japanese have issued an ultimatum stating that unless all Chinese forces are withdrawn 30 kilometres from Shanghai, the Japanese would attack in force. BRITISHERS WOUNDED. BRITISH PROPERTY DAMAGED. (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn). SHANGHAI, February 17. During the usual nightly bombardment last night a number of shells fell in the dock district of the Shanghai International Settlement. The shells seriously wounded two British sailors, also damaging both wharves and pontoons, which are British propertv. i

JAPANESE DENIAL. OF FOREIGN CONSULAR CHARGES. (Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn). KOBE, February 16. The Japanese Naval authorities deny many affirmations regarding their actions, made in Shanghai Consular Com. mission’s report to Geneva, including such statements as that 19 Japanese pianes flew over Shanghai on January 31, and that Japanese marines interfered with municipal functions. LEAGUE COUNCIL. WARNING TO JAPAN. OVER SEIZED TERRITORY. RUGBY, February 16. Committee Twelve of the League Council to-day despatched a message ■ to Japan regarding the situation at ■ Shanghai. The text is not yet published, but press telegrams state that the members of the Council, while recognising the difficulties with which Japan has been faced, recalls her responsibilities as one of the principal partners in the world organisation for the maintenance of peace, and appeals to her to show restraint. It is understood that the message also recalls the terms of Article Ten of the Covenant, in the sense related to the principle already affirmed by the American Government, whereby the

acquisition by force of any territories would not be recognised. CONSULATE IN DANGER. SHANGHAI, February 16. Margaret Nash, typists at the British Consulate, was hanging up her eoat, after lunch, when a mystery bullet crashed through the window, traversing her desk. Mr Brennan, the Consul was i" the next room.