WAR IN MANCHURIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20421, 25 November 1929, Page 11

WAR IN MANCHURIA.

RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE

CHINESE BURIED ALIVE

REFUGEES IN MINES

TWO THOUSAND PEKISH

[TWO TOWNS CAPTUEED

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. / (Received November 24, 5.25 p.m.) SHANGHAI. Nov. 23. A Japanese correspondent at Harbin, Manchuria, reports that 1000 Chinese civilians and soldiers who took refuge in a eoal mine in the Dalainor district from Russian air raiders were buried alive. The bombs dropped by the airmen caused a landslide at the mouth of the niino. Tho activity of the Russian forces at Dalainor has prevented the despatch of relief trains. Following upon the incessant bombardment of Manchuli by the Russians official confirmatipn of tho occupation of that town, also of Chalanor, has been received here at Shanghai. From Chinese sources also it is learned that the Red troops, assisted by Mongols, are now in possession of Manchuli. Eyewitnesses say the Russians attacked with tanks and aeroplanes. The attackers completely wrecked the major portion of the town and many residents descended the coal mines to escape the bombardment. They all perished when tlje pumping machinery was wrecked by the aerial bombardment. It is believed that more than 1000 persons were killed in the flooded Manchuli mines in addition to those reported to have beeq buried alive in the Dalainor district.

In a general Russian attack the Tasgan railway station was destroyed, necessitating the evacuation of the town. The Chinese main line forces ara being withdrawn to the frontier defences from Hailar to Buchatu, 150 miles distant. They have abandoned all the territory .west of the Khiagan Mountains. Twenty-four military trains are being held in readiness in the event of a further retreat.

Reports received yesterday stated that the week's pressure at both ends of the Chinese Eastern Railway by the Russians apparently had resulted in a considerable change of heart on the part of the Chinese. .It was announced that the NanIcing and-Mukden Governments proposed to negotiate with Moscow for a settlement of the dispute. Also it, was believed that the adverse civil war situation in the Honan and Kwangsi provinces had had some effect in achieving China's change of policy. . Although Japanese reports from Mukden yesterday confirmed the intention of the Manchurian authorities to negotiate a settlement with Moscow it was reported that the Russian forces were confined in a precarious position by the Nanking j .troops.

An official statement from Honan said the Nationalist Government had denied a report to the effect that Dr. Wellington Koo was to mediate with Russia. The Japanese authorities are concerned about the safety of their nationals. Tho Chinese report that enormous damage was done at Manchuli by gun fire. Telegraph offices, railway stations and tracks were destroyed.