Japs. Launch New Offensive

Northern Advocate, 2 June 1939, Page 5

Japs. Launch New Offensive

(Received 2.30 p.m.) • LONDON, June 1

The Hongkong correspondent of the I “Daily Telegraph” says the Japanesehave launched a new large-scale offensive along the Han River and the Hupeh Province, apparently directed against the Yangtse Treaty Port of Ichang, 120 miles distant. In the face of withering machinegun fire, engineers sacrificed their lives constructing pontoons to enable the Japanese to cross the river at three points simultaneously. Gunboats landed troops on the shores of Lake Tungting, anticipating an attack on Ichang from north arid SOUth. ■> ;; ■ - ’Planes (Cause Havoc., y The Shanghai correspondent of'‘The Times” says 18 Japanese ’planes bombed Putien, . creating! havoc, in crowded areas. A seaplane landed 'at Foochow, and raked a ferry, killing 32 and wounding 80. Many were drowned after jumping, into the river to escape the hail of bullets from the low-flying ’planes, which also slaughtered civilians aboard lighters in Stvatow harbour. Fighting on Manchukuan Frontier. There is further fighting" ’ bn tfie Manchukuan frontier, says a Tokio message. Japanese ’planes are reported to have attacked Mongols massing on the river Hhalha. The Manchukuan army claims to have defeated Mongols in a pitched battle, killing 800 and. capturing, 12 tanks and numerous guns and prisoners, including a number of Russians. Japanese Note to Britain.

The Japanese Consul at Tientsin sent a Note to the British. ConsulGeneral, demanding the surrender,' be- / -vV/r#'Vcgv; •• • fore noon on June 7, of the assassins of Ciiog Shi-kang, branch manager of the Federal Reserve Bank. Fajlurfe to comply will result in ‘‘independent Japanese action.” ~ • p ,p;>., It is alleged that Cheg Shi-kang was killed in the British Concession on April 9. ■ 1