CHINA AND JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1932, Page 6

CHINA AND JAPAN

CHINESE REFUSAL.

TO WITHDRAW TROOPS. “TIMES” CORRESPONDENT’S VIEWS. (United Press Association. —By Electno i'eiegrapn.—Copyright. I

(Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) SHANGHAI, February 17

Despite the combined efforts of British, American, France and Italian Ministers to persuade the Chinese to withdraw in accordance with the wishes of Japan, as a preliminary step towards peace, there is little prospect of the Chinese agreeing. Heavy reinforcements are arriving daily and the lines are being strengthened, a wide system of trenchwork radiating from Chapei. The “Times” correspondent at Shanghai says the situation entails a tragedy for China. Whatever happens the Chinese intend to withstand the invaders to the utmost. Japanese are chagrined at their failured and are determined to vindicate their military reputation, and should eventually be able to crash their way to their objective, because they can be reinforced indefinitely and must finally win. The more the Chinese fight, the more the Japanese can reinforce. The more it costs Japan to win ,the' harsher can he the ultimate terms' of settlement.

CHINESE SHELLING

POOR MARKMANSHIP

SHANGHAI, February 17

As a. result of Chinese shelling of dock area's, already cabled, injuring two British sailors, eight Chinese ■were killed and over a. score injured. The damage within the Settlement is extensive. In the vicinity of Chapei and Kiangwan. buildings were wrecked and foreign houses and a foreign factory badly damaged. Two popular cafes and a Japanese theatre were hit •in the northern district, Chinese apparently directing their fire towards a Japanese battery located behind the Council’s Hongkew park, but the markmanship was extremely poor. It is believed the shells, which fell on the waterfront- were intended for Japanese transports lying in the vicinity of Hongkew wharf. British authorities lodged a strong protest.

IN THE COMMONS

REPLY TO QUESTION,

LONDON, February 17

In the Commons, Mr Maunder asked Sir J, Simon: “Will you hear in mind the grave danger to Australia and *ttt(her.parts, of the Empire. it .Japanese aggression is not stopped.” Sir J. Simon replied: “I have not forgotten Aastralin. ”

THE LEAGUE COUNCIL

NOTE TO, JAPAN

GENEVA. February 17

The League Council’s Note to Japan reminds her of her responsibility ol membership of the League and permanent membership of the Council. While recognising legitimate grievances it regrets thus far that Japan has been unable to accept a peaceful settlement under the Covenant, though China has accepted all the League’s proposals. The Note proceeds to remind Japan or her obligations under Article 10.

BRITISHERS' WOUXBEB. SHANGHAI, Feb. 17

During the usual nightly bombardment last night a number of shells fell in the dock district of the Shanghai lii'tornational Settlement. The shells seriously wounded two British sailors, also damaging both wharves and pontoons, which an l British property.

•CANADIAN FIBERS

OFFER SERVIC E TO CHINA

OTTAWA, February 17

Eighty Canadian army fliers, who have been released as a result of Governmeii'fc economy, to-day offered their services to .the Chinese Consul for Shanghai The offer will be forwarded to the Chinese Government.

Government has infused a request by .British Colombia ; to .send a special Ambassador to C'rina.