FALL OF CHENGTEH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 71, 6 March 1933, Page 8

FALL OF CHENGTEH

LITTLE RESISTANCE OFFERED CHINESE IN FLIGHT. DISORDERLY RETREAT. Shanghai, March 4. The Japanese Kawahara Brigade entered Chengteh, capital of Jehol Province, at 10.30 o’clock to-day. The latest reports indicate that when the Chinese were driven out of Jingchuan they failed to retain the mastery of the rugged heights behind the city, with the result that their flank turned, and the troops commenced to retreat in confusion. It is reported that General Tang Yu-lin, the provincial governor, has gone over to Manchukuo, leaving Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang’s troops in tho air. Considerable anxiety is felt locally regarding the possibility of trouble at Peking when the disorderly soldiery commence marching southward along the Koukeikow road. The Japanese estimate that approximately 180,000 volunteer and regular forces are either actually in or around Chengteh. The Chinese estimated their losses in fighting round Lingyuan at 1500 killed and over 3000 wounded. Aeroplanes are playing the major part in the destruction. CHINESE ARMY BITTEB. LEFT TO WAGE LONE WAR. Shanghai, March 4. Chengteh, the capital of the Province of Jehol, having fallen, the Chinese are in headlong flight southward of the Great WalL This brings to a successful conclusion the Japanese conquest of what was onec called the three eastern provinces now known as Manchukuo. The advance commenced only eight days ago. It was generally believed that the Japanese would have tho greatest difficulty in overcoming the thousands of hostile troops pledged to resist to the last man, but the Chinese troops offered poor resistance and were fighting among themselves prior to the retreat. The failure of Marshal Chang Hsuchliang and General Chiang Kai-shek, ■who were the nation’s military leaders, to participate in the campaign is arousing bitterness among tne northern forces. The belief is gaining ground that they were left to wage a lone battle against the invaders on behalf of the whole of China while the Central authorities contributed nothing save money and moral support. PRACTICALLY UNOPPOSED. HASTY EVACUATION. Toklo, March 4. The Japanese advanced and entered Chengteh practically unopposed. Scouting aeroplanes yesterday reported that the Chinese troops were hastily evacuating tho city. INDESCRIBABLE CONTUSION SCRAMBLE FOR SAFETY. Shanghai, March 5. Thousands upon thousands of defeated Chinese troops, fearing slaughter at the Japanese hands, have abandoned everything in their wake, and are frantically scrambling to safety inside the Great Wall. Every pass from Jehol into North China is choked with uniformed humanity, transport cornels, oxen, horses, and every description of vehicle. All routes from Peking northward are block by the incoming fleeing troops. An indescribable state prevails. CHINA’S FIAIN DEFENCE INTACT. 50,000 MEN IN LINES. Peking, March 4. Tho Manchurian headquarters here state that Japanese troops took possession of Changteh this morning after penetrating General Tang Yulin’s defence lines. General Tang Yulin’s whereabouts are unknown, but it is believed that he is at Inanpinghsicn 12 miles westward. Marshal Chang Hsuch-liang has ordered his arrest for desertion. Tho headquarters claim that despite the occupation of Changteh, the main defence lines between Lingyuan and Pinghuan and Pingchuan and Loupeikow remain intact, and are manned by 50,000 of Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang’s own troops awaiting the Central Government’s orders.