IN MANCHURIA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 18 May 1928, Page 9

IN MANCHURIA

LATE EDITION

MAINTENANCE OB PEACE.

JAPAN’S DETERMINATION.

MOVEMENTS OF TROOPS

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —BY ELECTRIC

TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.) (UNITED SERVICE.) Received. May 18, 11.40 a.m. / TOKIO, (May 17. While unconfirmed Japanese military reports from Mukden state that Chang 'A'so lan has left Peking lor Tientsin it is not believed at the War Offce here that Chang intends to abandon Peking without a struggle. A high official informed a correspondent that military advisers indicate that Chang is prepared to make a final struggle to defend the Tientsin-Peking railway, and if forced to retreat, will follow two lines ovenand northward of Peking and along tfie railway via Tientsin and Shannaikwan. In the meantime, it is emphasised that Japan is fully determined not to tolerate any disruption of peace in Manchuria and is prepared to despatch any troop necessary, even to stationary strong contingents at Shaiihaikwan, throughout Manchuria and in part oi Mongolia. While no Japanese will admit the possibility that imperial political control in Manchuria may become necessary, there are growing indications that Japan is prepared for such an eventuality, as it is realised that a crushing defeat of Chang Tso Pin in the Peicing-Tientsin area will be likely to render it impossible for him to maintain control in Manchuria and will make an insurrection almost inevitable. With a view of preparing for eventualities in Manchuria, the hmperor this afternoon sanctioned the despatch of a battalion of artillery, a regiment of infantry and an air squadron to Tientsin and the return of the Toyanra brigade from Tienan to Manchuria. Treaty rights allow Japan 15,00t> men in t!»e Manchurian railway zone, but the War Office states that n.ny number of troops necessary may be sent to other Manchurian points. The Government is shortly issuing a statement to both Peking and Nanking authorities regarding Japanese rights in Manchuria and Mongolia, indicating the serious view taken by Japanese commerce of the China situation. Seventy representatives of Japanese firms in Korea, Manchuria, China, and Siberia, met to-day in Tokio under the auspices of the Spinners’ Association, Chamber of Commerce and Japanese Business Association and heard reports preparatory to outlining the business concerns’ attitude to the Government.