TRUCE IN CHINA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22789, 24 July 1937, Page 15

TRUCE IN CHINA

POSITION EASIER SETTLEMENT PENDING TERMS NOT DISCLOSED DEMANDS OF JAPANESE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, July 22 Although the Japanese and Chinese armies are still standing-to in North China within striking distance of each other, and British and American residents in Peking have been warned to assemble at safety points the moment an alarm is sounded, the situation is reported to be casiei> in consequence of an understanding, or at least a truce, pending a settlement. It is believed this position has been reached between Tokio and Nanking. The report coines from the Tokio correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, also from Shanghai. The latter message adds that the terms have not been published for fear of exciting public opinion. It is understood, however, that all Japan's demands have been met. The Tokio correspondent of the Telegraph says it is impossible at present to .say which side is making concessions, but the Japanese War Office to-day ordered the suspension of shipments of war supplies to China. The 37th Division of the Chinese 29th Route Army began to evacuate Peking to-night. Chinese troops still hold Wang-ping and the Marco Polo bridge at Lukouchiao and Papao-shan, while,traffic has been resumed on the Peking-Hankow railway. At Tientsin the Japaneso arrested Tsai Shu-tung, a former officer of the Chinese Army, on suspicion of being involved in a plot to assassinate the Japanese Ambassador, Sir. Kawagoe. IMPROVED SITUATION JAPANESE STATEMENT THE RECENT AGREEMENT (Received July 24, 12.10 a.m.) TOKIO, July 23 The Minister of War, General Sugiyama, told the Cabinet to-day that the situation in China is easier owing to the peaceful withdrawal of the Chinese 37th Division. The Foreign Office spokesman says Japan is watching the proper observation of Mr. Sung's agreement, which he declared did not contain political terms. Nevertheless, a message from Shanghai discloses fears that Mr. Sung has double-crossed the Nanking Government, as ho has persistently refused to disclose the terms of the agreement. M ______ IN SINGAPORE

WARNING TO TWO RACES JAPANESE MALTREATED (Received July 24, 12.10 a.m.) SINGAPORE, July 23 A Government communique! warns Chinese and Japanese residents in the event of hostilities in China not to hesitate to use their full powers against trouble-makers. Chinese and Japanese editors aro advised to comment restrainedly. No organised collection of money for remission to China or Japan for military is to be tolerated. The Government refuses to'say whether the communique originated from Whitehall which is expecting hostilities. The police reveal that Japanese fishermen were stripped and beaten, but not seriously injured, last night by a gang of Chinese youths. This morning a party of 15 Japanese girls going to school were roughly handled by Chinese boys.