JAPANESE DRIVE

Grey River Argus, 27 September 1939, Page 5

JAPANESE DRIVE

ON CHANGSHA 20,000 Soldiers Killed [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] SHANGHAI, September 25. * Chinese and Japanese reports estimate that 20,000 soldiers have been killed in the drive on Changsha. The Japanese claim to have advanced within 25 miles of the city, contradicting the earlier report. Each claimed that the other’s casualties were 10,000. ; Japanese Progress - CHINESE RESISTING. F i September 26, 11.10 pan.’. . SHANGHAI, September 25 ' The Japanese are pushing towards Changsha. They have occupied strategic positions east and south of Lake ’ Tungting. Japanese gunboats have cleared ’ away Chinese barricades . Japanese . planes have raided Chinese positions near Yingtien, and attacked the Chinese six miles north of Canton Hang- ; kow railway. A Chungking message says that it is officially there stated that the new . Japanese operations towards Changsha are experimental preparations for a big drive. The Chinese are reported to be holding most of the east shore of Lake Tungting. The Japanese are moving three columns on Changsha. The centre of this force is astride the railway, and has been stopped on the north bank of the Hsiu River. The second column, moving south on the east shore of Lake Tungting, has occupied Yuantien, but the Chinese have expelled the third from west of the lake. It is moving south on the WuchangChangsha highway. New Japanese Ministry POLICY OUTLINED WELLINGTON, September 26. The Japanese Consul-General has recieved an official statement of the new Japanese Cabinet’s policy. It states that the Government’s ceaseless efforts are being directed toward making manifest the basic principles of Japan’s national policy towards the adjustment of foreign relations, the strengthening of the national defence, the promotion of industries, the assurance of livelihood on the home front, and toward all other phases of national administration. The statement enumerates the undertaking which, it is stated, are especially important for the immediate future, and which the Government is determined to carry out in the face of the serious situation at this time: “(1) Basic policy: With the settlement of the China affair as the pivotal points of its policies,’ the Government intends to deal with the complicated and delicate international developments abroad by holding fast to the independent position of the Empire and the endeavour at home for the replenishment of armaments and the development of the basic strength of the nation, and by concentrating various internal and external measures for this purpose. It expects to bring about solidarity between Japan and Manchukuo and new relations between Japan and China.

“(2) The settlement of the China affair: For the settlement of the China affair, there exists an immutable basic decided upon some time ago. In view of the trend towards the es- | tablishment of a new Central Govern - ment in China, in the not-distant future, the Government will render positive assistance toward its establishment will co-operate with it, and will then endeavour to bring about a complete settlement of the China affair by taking the proper appropriate steps. “(3) The replenishment and effective application of combined economic forces: In view of the recent international situation, the Government will speed up the execution of plans for the expansion of productive powers, in order to realise self-supply and selfsufficiency of vital materials for national defence, and at the same time will strengthen and perfect the foreign trade organisation, to meet the new circumstances. As regards the plans for the expansion of productive powers and various other economic undertakings, the Government expects to formulate a comprehensive programme, covering Japan, Manchukuo, and China, and to effect the smooth execution thereof. “(4) Perfection and reinforcement of the regime under national general mobilisation structure, especially to create a system for guiding and steering the course of general mobilisation and to effect a complete goods mobilisation, through price control, and the adjustment of labour supply and demand.

“(5) Renovation and operation of Governmental institutions: The Government intends to put into practice the principle of co-operation between the Government and the people, in all matters relating to national administration, to ensure fuller contact and collaboration among the various Government organs, and the swift and orderly despatch of business. The Government intends also to take appropriate measures for the renovation of the administrative machinery, the civil service system, and various other institutions, and also for improvement in the manner of their operation.”