BIG OFFENSIVE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 11 September 1937, Page 9

BIG OFFENSIVE

POSTPONED BY JAPANESE SURPRISED AT STIFF RESISTANCE FAILURE TO SILENCE POOTUNG BATTERIES MERCILESS NAVAL AND AIR BOMBARDMENT I United Press Ass<.elation -Uy Electrio Teleurn id) —Copy riuti tl (Received 11th September, 9 a.m.) SHANGHAI, 10th September. Buildings in the International Settlement and the French Concession were badly shaken by a merciless Japanese naval and air bombardment in an attempt to silence elusive and persistent Chinese batteries at Pootung, which damaged the largest Japanese hospital ship, the American Maru, but the Ilagship Idumo again bore a charmed life. Each side makes conflicting claims regarding gains and losses of ground. These Chinese dismiss the Japanese claim that they have linked up their lines at Woosung and Yangtsepoo. Observers are of the opinion that the Japanese are surprised at the pertinacity and pluck of the Chinese, so they are content to advance slowly and surely. The Chinese spokesman asserts that the Japanese are withdrawing from Jukong Wharf and boarding warships, proving that the big offensive is postponed. The Japanese say that they have photographic proofs of a “dare and clie battalion” of 500 women fighting on China’s side A Pekin message says that thousands of Japanese troops have traversed the city during the last three days. Tanks and artillery are being mustered at Fengtai. OUTBREAK OF CHOLERA JAPANESE TROOPS AT PAOSIIAN (Received 11th September, 10.0 a.m.) SHANGHAI, 10th August. Cholera has broken out in the Japanese garrison at Paoshan. Twenty are dead and eighty are dying. WILLNOTENDTHIS YEAR OPINION OF PRINCE KONOYE (Received 11th September, 10.40 a.m.) TOKIO, 10th September. | The Prime Minister, Prince Konoye. I expresses the opinion that the war will not end in 1937, and they must budget for 1938 on the basis of the worst eventuality.