DIGGING IN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 74, 9 March 1933, Page 10

DIGGING IN

CHINESE PREPARE FOR LAST STAND

“UNFIT TO COMMAND.”

MARSHAL CHANG RESIGNS ALL POSTS. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Shanghai, March 8. Chinese official reports state that Marshal Chang Hsueh-liang’s troops have recaptured Lengkou on the Great Wall near Shanhaikwan. At Kupeikow the Chinese have dug in on the heights to the best advantage possible, apparently intending a last light before the frontier town, which was bombed to-day without appreciable damage, Food supplies continue going up from Kupeikow to the soldiers still in Jehol, but it is not believed that the last stand will affect the present military position.

A Peking official communique an nounces that Marshal Chang Hsuehliang had telegraphed Nanking requesting to be relieved of all official posts. lie adds: “The fall of Jehol convinced me that I am unlit to keep the command. During the past, months I met many difficulties and unexpected developments occurred. If I remain in office one more day I will be blamed still more. My death is of no advantage to the Government, nor will it improve the situation. Therefore I ask the Government to allow me to resign as a sign of its dissatisfaction, and to appoint a capable successor. TANG YU-LIN ASSASSINATED. Shanghai, March 8. A report is current here that General Tang Yu-lln has been assassinated. SOVIET AND THE LEAGUE. MEMBERSHIP REFUSED. Moscow, March 8. The Soviet has refused membership of the League committee dealing with the Sino-Japane.se dispute, because it is desirous of maintaining strict neutrality though wishing to ensure peace in the Far East.