BORDER CLASHES

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 14 August 1929, Page 5

BORDER CLASHES

RUSSIANS AND CHINESE.

A CRITICAL SITUATION. > ATTACKS iBY SOVIET TROOPS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright, ) —United Service;. KONG KONG, Aug. 13. A sensational report comes from Chinese sources to-day stating that fighting 'broke out between Russian and Chinese .troops on the Manchurian border yesterday morning. The report asserts Soviet troops were demonstrating with tanks on the border when suddenly they wheeled, crossed the 'border and opened fire on Kirin troops with machine-guns. The Chinese retaliated and fighting lasted for an ihour, there being casualties on both sides. It is further alleged there has been fighting at several points on the border, although this is not confirmed officially. Reports of this fighting in Manchuria are most persistent and from sources usually reliable. Shanghai reports that a Manchuli message dated Monday reports two skirmishes between Soviet and 'Chinese troops on the border. Both sides sustained slight casualties. Chinese cavalry scouts were attacked by Soviet machine-gunners and returned the fire. The exact number of casualties is not known. Tiie above report has been confirmed by- the Japanese through an indepen-den-t foreign agency, which adds that, the clashes occupied two hours. Two k ‘ Chinese .were killed and ten severely wounted in the vicinity of Ivirin. According to information emanating from the Nanking Ministry of Eoreign Affairs the Soviet is massing heavy military forces along the Sui Pen River. The troops frequently invaded Chinese soil apparently to precipitate war. The situation is regarded as extremely critical. Chinese generals commanding on the frontier are repeatedly asking for instructions in the event of .Soviet attacks becoming more serious. Nanking ) is reported fo have ordered strict forbearance and .self-restraint.

FAR EASTERN ARMY FORMER. Received 9..55 a.m. to-day. __ SHANGHAI. Aug. 13. The Ta-ss News Agency announces the formation of a special Fan Eastern army under General Blneeher. a former deputy commander in the Ukrainian military district, and an earlier codleague of Borodin, the. Russian agent. General Bluecher is reported already to have departed eastwards.