GRIM WARFARE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 10, 9 December 1937, Page 2

GRIM WARFARE.

ATTACK ON CAPITAL. JAPANESE STRATEGY. Received December 8, 1.20 p.m. NANKING, Dec. 7. Apparently large bodies of troops remain in Nanking, with the choice of surrender or dying fighting. The Japanese, while awaiting the arrival of sufficient troops to ensure holding the city after its capture, before ■*finally launching storming parties maintained all-day attacks on the last defensive lines. They found the opposition less than they had expected, indicating only rearguard actions. The main Japanese thrust will threaten the eastern face of the city, but-a flanking column has encircled Nanking in an effort to cut off the Chinese retreat via the Pukow-Tientsin railway. The latter force hopes to attack the northern gates simultaneously With the southern force assailing the western gates. The British United Press correspondent at Nanking reports that the artillery, are already bombarding the north-western gates in order to create a breach through which tanks and infantry may pass. The Chinese still maintain the ferry services across the Yangtse-Kiang from Nanking to Pukew, on the main line of retreat.

Other sources declare that the Japanese have already occupied the mountainous area east of the city. The invaders do not guarantee the immunity of safety zones, as they may harbour Chinese troops, but agree not to attack undefended zones.

The existing “safety zone” is the scene of an endless procession of sorrow. Many participants are starving and without possessions. The movement is no less tragic because such flights are now commonplace. The Chinese authorities have ordered the evacuation of all troops from the zone and the demolition of its defensive works. Fifteen foreigners sponsoring the plan, including Englishmen, Frenchmen, and Americans, remain in the area as evidence of good faith. Their heroism may avert a holocaust.