China’s Civil War

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 11, 24 December 1925, Page 5

China’s Civil War

Japan’s Intervention REGRETTABLE BUT NECESSARY. NO ULTERIOR MOTIVES. IBy Cable—Press Association—Copyright.| (Received 24, 1.45 p.m.) Tokio, Dec. 23. The. Cabinet discussed Manchuria, and also the anti-Japanese feeling in China, it decided that it was regrettable but .Japan’s present course was necessary for protection. It was reiterated that Japan was absolutely neutral and had no desire to acquire increased influence or other ulterior motives, and intends to quit Mukden as soon as possible. The Cabinet decided that Japan will not suggest mediation between Kuo Chang, as it believed it may create a fresh misunderstanding of Japan’s attitude. k > The Foreign Office states that Kuo Sung-lin is expected to completely defeat Chang Tso-lin in a few days, upon which Japanese troops contemplate turning over the city to him. If Chang’s retreatinor soldiers appear at Mukden they will be disarmed at the entrance to the six-miles zone. Chang Tso-lin assembled his leading supporters, and in a farewell speech he stated that reports from the iront indicated the oncmv had iust opened a decisive attack. He said that if the Mukdenites were, defeated they would refuge elsewhere. —(Reuter.)

ADVANCE ON TIEN-TSIN

CHING’S LAST STAND.

("Received 24, 10.10 a.m.) Pekin, Dec. 23. A wireless from Tien-tsin states that Feng Yuh-siang’s troops, alter heavy artillery fire attacked Li Ching Lin’s men, who were outnumbered by three to one and were driven back four or five kilometres to the reserve lines. The Fengites are expected to reach Tient-sin soon. Li Ching-lin, hovjr er. has gone to the front to organise the last stand. —(Router).