FALL IMMINENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 9, 8 December 1937, Page 2

FALL IMMINENT.

POSITION AT NANKING

Received December 7. 1.40 p.m. LONDON, Dec. 6. The Tokio correspondent of the Times says this evening a broadcast without confirmation suggested that Nanking may emulate Moscow in 1812, the date of Napoleon’s famous retreat —inasmuch as part of the capital, from which the Japanese are four miles distant, is on fire. There are signs that the defenders are beginning to retreat across the Yangtse-kiang River.

All news from Japanese sources assumes that the citv’s fall is imminent, inasmuch as General Pang, the defending commander, is moving Ins troops across the river, ostensibly to consolidate the defences there. Thousands of refugees are waiting at the gates unable to escape owing to the transfer of soldiery, but the signs of submission, which the Japanese demand. are still absent. The Press betrays perplexity regarding Japan’s action if Nanking falls and Marshal Cliiang Kai-shek remains defiant. It can only propose doubtful schemes in view of the fact that the Japanese face a stubborn army prepared to put its back to a series of walls deeper inland. A Japanese declaration of war is considered unlikely because it would immediately invoke the American Neutrality Act, and a continuance of Chinese resistance depends on munitions from abroad.