THE AWAKENING DRAGON

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2124, 16 May 1922, Page 5

THE AWAKENING DRAGON

SECESSION OP 3IANCHURIA. , DISAPPROVED IN JAPAN. [By Electric Cable—-Copyright.] LAust. and N.Z. Cable Association.] (Received Monday, 7 p.m.) TOKIO, May 13. The Japanese press, commenting on the possibility of a Manchurian declaration of independence, which is now frequently rumoured, generally expresses its disapproval, based on the possibility of charges of Japanese intrigue and connivance with Chang-Tso-Lin. Although one regiment has already sailed from Yokohama to reinforce the Japanese police and garrisons in Manchuria, opposition is being forced against any further substantial co-operative movement regarding Manchuria, especially from Korea. The "Ashia," in denouncing as groundless Pekin despatches reporting Japanese assistance and moral support had been given Chang, says: "There is no necessity to fear a large revival of banditry in Manchuria nor mutinies among Chang's troops. Chang is capable yet of handling the internal situation in his province and providing safeguards for Japanese residents. "The Kokumin" says: "The result of the recent fighting simply exchanges military dictators and does not make any material difference in Chinese foreign relations." _ NO SECOND ROUND. (Received Monday, 8 p.m.) PEKIN, May 15. Chang-Tso-Lin, who had begun to reform his army at Luan River, received an ultimatum from Wu-Pei-Fu stating that he would begin an attack on Sunduv unless Chang evacuated the Chili province.' Further lighting, however was avoided by British mining and other interests intervening. Wu-Pei-Fu thereupon promised merely to maintain a force in Chili until the province was cleared.