FIGHTING IN CHINA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIX, 30 January 1936, Page 7

FIGHTING IN CHINA

TROOPS AND BANDITS NOTORIOUS LEADER CAUSES ALARM (United Press Association—By Eleetrio Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, 28th January. The -Peking correspondent of “The Tillies’- says that fighting occurred near Peking to-day in tlie vicinity of the Ming tombs between Sung-cheh-yuan’s troops and marauders believed to be stragglers from a bandit force under the notorious Liu-kwei-tang, who recently looted his way down the western border of Ilopei into northern Honan after ravaging part of the demilitarised zone. Liu-kwei-tang, since his exploits of 1934, when lie eluded the pursuit of nearly 500,000 regulars in six provinces, has been living in the Japanese concession at Tientsin. His return to his old haunts is causing alarm owing to the Chinese belief that lie plans autonomy for the five northern provinces, including the portion of Honan northward of the Yellow River. Liu-kwei-tang also appears intent on entering Shantung through southern Hopei. General Manfuehu. Governor of Shantung, to-day offered a- reward of 50,000 dollars for Liu-kwei-tang’s capture, dead or alive