FAR EAST WARFARE

Grey River Argus, 4 December 1940, Page 5

FAR EAST WARFARE

SIAMESE PLANES Bomb Indo-China Positions [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] BANGKOK, December 2. Luang Bipul Songgram issued a communique stating that airmen bombed military objectives at Thakhek, on November 30. Ten bombs directly hit anti-air batteries within the demilitarised zone, and also a French troop concentration. HANOI, November 30. It is officially stated that several Thai planes dropped nine bombs, out failed to hit the five hundred ton French armed river-boat Beryle near Krone Island, Gulf of Siam, after which two planes renex/’d the attack, whereupon the Beryle returned the fire, and is believed to nave damaged one plane which .escaped. Thai troops occupied Banding, an unprotected river island.

Japan Denounced BY CHIANG KAI-SHEK. (Received December 3, 8.30 p.m.) CHUNGKING, December 2 Marshal Chiang Kai-Shek expressed it a s his opinion that the Japane recognition of the Nanking Government insults th e intelligence of both the Japanese and Chinese people. H - said: ‘lt is a great blot on Japanese national prestige, because it will pro- . long instead of shorten hostilities ” He blamed Prince Konoye, Japan iese Premier, for Japan’s plight—firstly for starting the China-Japan-ese war; secondly, for signing tho anti-Comintern Pact; thirdly, for defining Japan’s New Order Policy: fourthly, for recognising the Nanking regime, all of which would prolong hostilities.

Apparently addressing his remarks to Washington, Chiang KaiShek urged that the United States should continue a firm Far East policy, despite the European War. H r> termed Japan a potentially boundless curse in the Pacific.

SHANGHAI BLOCKADE. BY THE JAPANESE. (Received December 4, 1.10 a.m.) SHANGHAI. December 2. Japanese Gendarmes announced a formal blockade of the Western Settlement area. They have issued

regulations by which foreign residents are permitted an entrance and exit subject to the discretion of the Japanese and the issuance of passes. The Japanese said thev were considering a relaxation of the food blockade. The Shanghai Municipal Council has requested Consular officers to do their utmost to relax the blockade.