CHINA & JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1937, Page 5

CHINA & JAPAN

SOVIET MOVE SENDING BOMBERS EAST. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, September 11. The ‘Morning Post's” Helsingfors correspondent says: The Russian Government lias begun a big “chive” to expand its air force in the Far Fast, and is rushing thither daily eonsLnmeuts of the latest bombers. The Soviet Press openly claims that Russian pilots will soon have no difficulty in laying Tokio and Osaka in rums. Japanese official circles are bel.eveu to fear that Russia will shortly join China in fighting against Japan. German staff officers are reported to have arrived at Tokio to instruct the Japanese in carrying out defence from air attacks, while tho two nations are negotiating to strengthen their Pact against Bolshevism.

M eamvhile the Soviet is immediately beginning to build fast, single-engin-ed bombers, under a license irom tho American Yultee Corporation, which will supply it with supervisory engineers. A great engine factory is horridly being built on the outskirts of Moscow. A second factory, specialising in seaplanes of American design, is also under construction on toe shoies of the Black Sea. AMERICAN FEARS. OF AVARS EXTENDING. HYDE PARK (New York), Sept. 11. The gravity with which the United States view s the international situation, is indicated by a remark from President Roosevelt at an informal gathering as follows: “The Government is going to do everything p'ssiIbe to keep the United States out of wa r.”

At a press conference earlier, President Roosevelt declared that democratic nations throughout the world are “jittery” over the foreign situation, both in the Far East and in Europe. 'flic Navy Department has, warned American merchantmen that it is dangerous to operate in tho Japanese blockade zone off the China coast, and advocated painting the national colours on the top decks conspicuously.

The Secretary of State, Air Hull, dcqlined to discuss the Japanese note in which Japan says she will not assume responsibility for damage in Shanghai, but it is believed the United States will not be deterred in pressing demands for idcmnification. JAPANESE SUCCESS ON WOOSUXG FRQNT SHANGHAI, September 12. The Japanese, using tanks, have captured Yanching, in the Woosung sector, in which they are now entrenching. The Chinese are preparing to countei -attack. Buildings in tho International Settlement and tho French Concession were badly shaken by a merciless Japanese naval and air bombardment in an attempt to silence the elusive and persistent Chinese batteries at ‘Pootung, which damaged the largest Japanese hospital ship, the American Alai'ii. The Japanese flagship, Tdzumo, again bore a charmed life.

Each side makes conflicting claims of gains and losses on ground. The Chinese dismiss the Japanese claim to have linked up their lines at Woosung and Yangtse-po'o. Observers consider that the Japanese are surprised at the pertinacity anor piue?. of the Chinese, and are therefore content to advance slowly and surely. A Chinese spokesman asserts that, the Japanese arc- withdrawing inm>‘ the Jukong wharf and boarding theii warships, proving that the big oftensive has been postponed. The Japanese say they have plmtoigrapic proofs of a- ‘‘dare and die” battalion of 500 women fighting on Chirm’s side. ARTILLERY DUEL SHANGHAI, September 12. The Chinese fiercely attacked Japanese blue jackets. Shanghai was rocked by terrific artillery fire. The British United Press correspondent says that the city is “trying to forget "ar anxieties.” Public entertainments arc resuming. Cinemas, dog-tracks, and night clubs are reopening. Generous fare is provided by the restaurants, and the gas supply is restored. JAPS TAKE MACHANG TOKIO, September 12. The Japanese claim that they have captured Macliang, and that the Chinese are retreating southwards in confusion. A Pekin message says that 1000 Japanese troops have traversed the city in tell last three days. Tanks and artillery are mustering at Feng Tin RAID ON HISTORIC PAG ADO SHANGRAT, September 12. The Japanese attempted an air raid to blow up the historic Lanithun Pagoda, built in the year 250 A.D., but. they failed, only shaking down otiO Rmlhas inside from their niches. The bombs, however. destroyed forty lieighbuoring houses. \

LIABILITY DENIED TOKIO, September 12. Tt is understood that in a verbal reply to English and American warnings regarding liability for , damage their nations may suffer in Shanghai, Japan denies liability, on the principle that the Chinese are the gressorsCHOLERA CASES SHANGHAI, September 12. The Japanese announce there are three hundred Cholera eases among the Japanese troops in Pnosh an. CHINESE WAR COUNCIL SET UP TOKIO, September 12. According to tho Domei News .Agency, a Chinese Supreme War Council, with Marshal Chaing KaiShek as Dictator, has been formed at Nanking, as the result of a joint do- | cision by the Central Political Council and the Central Standing Committee.