CHINESE RESISTANCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 72, 24 February 1932, Page 7

CHINESE RESISTANCE

BATTLE AT KIANGWAN GREAT HAVOC CAUSED JAPAN DOUBLING SHANGHAI ARMY (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received February 24, 10.30 a.m. ;.v;’ . / SHANGHAI, Feb. 24. Kiangwan witnessed heavy fighting this morning. The Japanese advanced their lines a short distance, but. met with stubborn Chinese resistance. The Japanese are retiring . and are awaiting an artillery bombardment to destroy the Chinese ' elaborate trench system before making further infantry attacks. The Chapei front is quiet. It is revealed that enormous damage was wrought by yesterday’s Chinese bombardment. Scarcely a house in the Dixwell Road and North Szechuen area escaped, where whole terraces were destroyed. The havoc is only excelled by the Chapei rums just across the boundary. A message from Tokio says that Japan has decided to double the strength of her Shanghai army.

SEVERE BOMBARDMENT. HEAVY CASUALTIES. Received February 24. 8.5 a.m. SHANGHAI, Feb. 23. The Chinese defending Chapei developed a heavy counter-attack last night, commencing a bombardment of the Japanese lines. The unprecedented severity with which the Japanese replied shook Shanghai throughout the night. More fires were caused and the scene of the fighting was brought appreciably nearer the International Settlement. Leaving their trenches, the Chinese strongly attacked the Japanese lines. They by withering machinegun fire, but only after an hour of the most severe fighting were they repulsed, at five o’clock this morning, with considerable slaughter on both sides. At ten o’clock this morning the Japanese completely destroyed tlie Hungjao Aerodrome, five miles west of Shanghai, and also set fire to large stores of gasoline. All the buildings are at present in flames. Chinese aeroplanes have been harassing the Japanese ’planes, which have been forced to abandon their attacks on the Chinese- advanced base. CONFUSION AT GENEVA. “BRITAIN MUST NOT BE INVOLVED IN WAR.” Received February 24, 11.0 a.m. LONDON, Feb. 23. The Herald says that it is Sir John Simon returned to Geneva with Cabinet’s latest word that Article 16 must not be invoked. Britain must not be involved in war. Sir Granville Ryrie has been ordered to return to Geneva to attend the Assembly on March 3 when the SinoJapanese question will be discussed. Sir Granville told the Sun-Herald agency that there was tremendous confusion at Geneva. “Nobodv knows what is going to happen,” he said. AMERICAN ATTITUDE. POLICY IN THE FAR EAST. Received February. 24, 8.5 a.m. WASHINGTON, Feb. 22. Following advice to the Navy Department from Admiral Taylor, Commander of the United States Asiatic Fleet that portions of Marshal Chiang Kai-shek - forces had appeared for the first time in action against the Japanese, it is reported that Mr H.. L. Stimson, Secretary of State, is contemplating a restatement of the American Far East policy, with emphasis on tlie “open door” principle. However, no official light has yet been cast upon the point as to whether the Government, if the League made such a request, would ask Congress to support au economic boycott

of Japan. A Congressional Act would be required for such a procedure. It is impossible for such a procedure. It how the Congress as a whole might regard such a proposal, but it is interesting to note that the House of Representatives to-day gave a sudden spontaneous ovation to the Chinese Charge d’Affaires, Dr-Yen, who seemed surprised at the unusual demonstration, hesitated, and bowed slightly. It is believed that Mr Stimson will withhold further representations until the League has had the opportunity to act.

Moreover, Japan’s coming statement of foreign policy is considered important and is interpreted as an expression of Japan’s desire for the Powers to delay their measures until she is able to consolidate lier position. NO ECONOMIC BOYCOTT. Received February 24, 12.5 p.m. WASHINGTON, Feb. 23. Senator Moses, an influential member of the Senate, says that there is no possibility of the United States declaring an economic boycott against Japan. REVIEW OF POSITION. MORAL AUTHORITY OF LEAGUE. LONDON, Feb. 23. In the House of Commons, in response to a request from Mr George Lansbury, Leader of the Opposition, Sir John Simon further reviewed the position in Shanghai. “The time may soon come when the moral authority of the League will be seen to exercise its influence,” he said. “It is absolutely untrue that there is any secret compact or understanding on the part of some or any of the great ' Powers to encourage Japan in her action.” Mr Neville Chamberlain, Chancellor of tlie Exchequer; said that he was sure it was unwise to show any preference until the League’s investigation was ended and its report received. AMERICAN ’PLANE SHOT DOWN. Received February 24, 10 a.m. SHANGHAI, Feb. 23. Commander Shen, chief of the Chinese aviation forces at Shanghai, reported that Mr Robert Short, an American aviator employed by an American aircraft firm, was shot dowii by Japanese ’planes while flying over .Soochow. The Japanese spokesman admitted that the Japanese ’plane atticked the American ’plane over Soochow. It is believed that Mr Short, who was entrusted with the delivery of a fighting ’plane to the Nanking Government, stopped at Soochow and offered his services to the Chinese. He then attacked three Japanese ’planes, with disastrous results.