FAR EAST FORAYS

Northern Advocate, 20 August 1929, Page 5

FAR EAST FORAYS

REDS’ HARASSING TACTICS

HEAVY INVASION REPULSED.

SITUATION OBSCURE.

(Australian Press Association.V (Received noon.) SHANGHAI, August 1-9

A determined drive by. Soviet forces in an endeavour to surround the Manchuli garrison resulted in the biggest clash in the present series of frontier skirmishes yesterday.

The Soviet troops are reported to have suffered several hundred killed and wounded and 100 taken prisoner. The military conference which will be called by Marshal Chang Sue-hliang shortly is expected to produce direct measures to counteract Soviet, aggression, and fighting on a large scale can be expected. The present situation in Manchuria is clouded with uncertainty. Heavy firing of field guns is continually heard on the border, though the nature of the engagement has not been ascertained. A number of shells are falling in the city, injuring civilians. Mukden reports state that Soviet troops looted and burned two Chinese villages north of Kirin.

Observers recently returned from an inspection of the frontier express the belief that the Soviet will refrain from an official declaration of war, but will connive at belligerent activities in increasing proportions until tho Manchurian authorities are frightened into submitting to a settlement of the railway dispute.

TERRITORY VIOLATION.

AMBASSADOR'S COMPLAINT.

CHINA DISCLAIMS BLAME.

(Australian Press Association.) (Received noon.)

WASHINGTON, August 19.

The Chinese Minister at Washington, Mr C., C. Wu, informed the State Department that Soviet Russia haci violated Chinese territory. He said he did not wish China to be charged with violation of the Kellogg Pact, but mobilisation of troops was necessary to protect the border. The exact truth of the situation is not known, but reports seem to be becoming more 'embarrassing to those endeavouring: to assure a peaceful settlement quickly.