JAPAN'S DETERMINATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21101, 8 February 1932, Page 9

JAPAN'S DETERMINATION

CRISIS MORE ACUTE.

LARGE reinforcements sent

ADVANCE IN MANCHURIA. Further heavy fighting between Chinese and Japanese has occurred in the Chapei district of Shanghai, and both sides have suffered severe losses. The destruction wrought is vividly described by a special correspondent to-day. Many shells have fallen in the foreign areas of the city. The Chinese have 40,000 troops in the vicinity of Shanghai. It is believed at Shanghai that the Japanese are preparing for a big push as soon as reinforcements are available. From 8000 to 10,000 soldiers were expected to arrive yesterday. - Rumours are current that the Japanese intend to take over the whole of the International Settlement, in which case grave complications would be inevitable. In a message to the Japanese Embassy in London the Tokio Government says its reinforcements are for the protection of its marines—who are outnumbered by Chinese troops—and its nationals. The Japanese will not attack unless they are attacked. In Manchuria the Japanese seized Harbin after a seven hours' battle. A state of siege has been declared in the city and a provisional Government has been organised.