MANCHURIA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 37, 27 January 1932, Page 7

MANCHURIA

JAPANESE ARMY PLANS EXTENSIVE USE OF ’PLANES. FIELD ARTILLERY WITHDRAWN. (United Pres, Association—By CableCopyright.) (Received 27, 10.30 a.m.) Tokyo, January 26. The Japanese army is planning a more extensive use of aeroplanes lor the dispersal of bandits remaining in Manchuria. The field artil lery, which is attached to the Guards and the 12th Division, has been recalled in consequence of the withdrawal of the Chinese regulars. DRASTIC MEASURE PENDING. (Received 27, 10?20 a.m.) Shanghai, January 26. The Consul General, Mr Murai, to-day received definite instructions from the Tokyo Foreign Office regarding the action to be taken in the present grave situation at Shanghai. Although details are not published, it is reliably predicted that drastic measures, including the occupation of Chinese territory, will be undertaken. AN ULTIMATUM. The failure of the Chinese authorities to reply to Japanese demands has exhausted the patience of Tokyo, and it is now reported that a 48-hour ultimatum will be delivered to the Mayor, Mr Wu. REQUEST TO BRITISH FORCES. Brigadier-General Fleming, command, ing the British forces in Shanghai, has been requested by the Shanghai municipal authorities to take the necessary defence measures for the protection of the international settlement in collaboration with the French, American, and Italian forces. VIGOROUS DEFENCE MEASURES. Meanwhile the Chinese authorities continue their military preparations in tho surrounding areas. Trenches are being dug across the roads, and barricades erected at the railway stations. The official buildings present the appearance of veritable fortresses as additional troops are concentrating on these points. The local Chinese garrison commander asserted: "Manchuria was occupied without a fight, but the Japanese will know that they have been fighting before they capture my territory.” It is estimated that there are approxi. mately 30,000 Chinese troops in the Shanghai area. Tho Japanese forces are being strengthened by the despatch of the first torpedo flotilla from Sasebo, consisting of one cruiser and twelve destroyers.