CHINESE CIVIL WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19730, 1 September 1927, Page 9

CHINESE CIVIL WAR.

NORTHERN OFFENSIVE. RIVER YANGTSE CROSSED. ENEMY EVACUATE NANKING. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. A. and N.Z. SHANGHAI, Aug. 30. The commander of trie Northern Chinese, forces engaged in the attack upon Nanking, General Sun Chuan-fang, ordered a general crossing of the Yangtso River today by several columns of h;s troops. Many thousands of tho latter were landed from small transports on the south bank. As a result the Southerners retreated. This evacuation has virtually placed Nanking and Chinkiang in tho hands of the Northerners. Tho position of the foreigners in Nanking was untenable and all deserted the city and took shelter on the gunboats of their respective nations, which were standing by in case of emergency. JAPANESE EOKCES. WITHDRAWAL OF PORTION. SHANTUNG POSITION BETTER. A. and N.Z. TOKIO, Aug. 30. The Emperor of Japan has sanctioned the withdrawal of Japanese troops from the Shantung province, China. The Foreign Office has issued a statement to the effect that the situation there is stable at present, but in the event of disturbances in future Japan will be constrained to defend her interests. MISSIONARIES' FATE. VAGUENESS OF MESSAGE. FEARS FOR AN AUSTRALIAN. (Received August 31, 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. LONDON. Aug. 30. Among the members of the party of foreigners reported to have been murdered by Lamas in West Szechwan, China, a message from Peking includes a Mr. Watkinson. The China Inland Mission authorities have little doubt, however, that the person referred to is Mr. Mathcwson, of Australia. With two companions Mr. Mathewson was advised to leave Kansu in June. They chose the Tibetan route to India in preference to the coastal route. The message merely mentions that three or four of the party were murdered. Tho absence of nev.s of the three missionaries has aroused the fear that they are the victims. Mr. Mathewson was on his way home.