BATTLE OF LUNGHAI

Grey River Argus, 11 February 1938, Page 7

BATTLE OF LUNGHAI

400 MILE FRONT Eight Jap. Armies Engaged [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received February 10, 8.40 p.m.) LONDON, February 10. The Battle of Lunghai is developing on a front of four hundred miles, says the Shanghai correspondent of “The Times.” The Japanese are estimated to be employing eight main armies. CHINESE RETAKE POSITION. HANKOW, February 9. The Chinese announce that they have recaptured Wuhu, also Kaocheng, on the Hwai River, by means of a surprise attack. China’s Foreign Legion 550 PILOTS AND ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUNNERS. (Received February 10, 8 p.m.) LONDON, February 10. The Peking correspondent of “The Times” says: General Terauchi’s headquarters here assert that there is a Foreign Legion fighting in China, which consists of 315 Russians, 152 Americans, 124 Frenchmen, 55 British, and 5 others. Of the total of 651 members, 550 are air pilots and anti-aircraft gunners. NEW PEKIN GOVERNMENT. PEKIN, February 7. The provisional Government has established de facto relations with Manchukuo, to which it has appointed a Consul-General,. CHINESE AMBASSADOR RETURNS FROM JAPAN HANKOW, February’9. “I have not brought peace proposals from the Japanese Government. Even if a request were made, I would refuse to comply,” said Mr. Hsushih-I ying, the Chinese Ambassador to | Tokio, after his arrival, following hisrecall. He added that many Japanese not desiring war, called at the Embassy, before his departure and expressed the belief that the war would weaken both countries. “I am Convinced that this war may do, worse—it may destroy both nations,; he said. Many Chinese nationals in Japan had been arrested and tortured. The President of the Chinese Residents’ Association for Gumma was tortured to death. CHINESE BEHEAD EDITOR. SHANGHAI, February 7. A human head to which was pinned a placard, “Beware of co-operat-ing with the Japanese,” was found in an alleyway in the French Concession, and is believed to be that of Tsai, editor of “Social Evening News” suspected of pro-Japanism. INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENT. RUGBY, February 7. A negative answer was given by Mr Eden when asked in the Commons if His Majesty’s Government had in any way altered its view as to the continuance of the International Settlement at Shanghai, and the maintenance of the present administration. JAP COMMANDER REBUKES LOOSE DISCIPLINE. SHANGHAI, February 7. Addressing the Commanders on the Nanking parade ground, General Matsui ordered them to tighten discipline in order to enhance the Army’s prestige. This followed reports of continued excesses by the troops. Scathing comment was evoked thereby. Matsui’s action is unprecedented in Army annals. ITALO-JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP ROME, February 9. The Government has created a subsidised organisation. “Friends of Japan,” with the object of furthering cultural exchanges. CANADA’S NEUTRALITY. OPPOSITION LEADER’S COMPLAINT. OTTAWA, February 1. Mr Bennett, in the Commons, alleg ing Government inactivity towards Japan, said that Canada could not be neutral in the face of the violation of the Kellogg Pact, and the unprovoked attack on China, involving the bombing of towns, and slaughter of women and children. Thoughts of trade should not dull the sense of honour. Canada (should . indicate her abhorrence of the Japanese frightfulness towards the Chinese civilians. . The “Gentlemen’s Agreement,” permitting Japanese immigration to Canada was not binding in view of the Kellogg Past violation. , He protested against a statement by Mr Bruce, Canadian Minister at Tokio, that Japan was only seeking good Government in China. The Prime Minister (Mr McKenzie King), revealed that Mr Bruce, the Minister had been recalled. He said that Mr Bruce’s pro-Japanese statement was unwise. Denying inactivity, he deplored provocative statements likely to aggravate the situation. The British Government was exercising great restraint, and he hoped Commons Members would observe the same spirit, and not make harder the task of those aiming to preserve peace. CANADIAN SHIPMENTS TO JAPAN. OTTAWA, February 1. The Commonwealth Federation is fifing in the Commons, a resolution to ban shipments of metals to Japan.