SWIFT THRUST

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23010, 11 April 1938, Page 12

SWIFT THRUST

CLAIM BY CHINESE JAPANESE TROOPS CUT OFF REINFORCEMENTS HELD UP SUCCESS AT TSINAN By 'Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received. April 10, 8.35 p.m.) HANKOW, April 9 The Chinese claim that as a result of a swift movement they have recaptured Tsaochwang and bottled up the Japanese fleeing from Taierhchwang. Japanese reinforcements have been held up as a result of guerilla fighters destroying the Tsinan railway. The guerilla activities have caused the breakdown of Japanese munition supplies. The Chinese also claim that wellequipped regular troops, assisted by motorized detachments, ,stormed three gates of Tsinan and seized various points iu the city, which has been in Japanese hands for three months. The citizens of Hankow gave themselves over to night-long rejoicings, and were further encouraged by a report that two Japanese divisions are 1 being systematically cut up in tho retreat from Taierhchwang. The Chinese are still hotly pursuing the remainder of the fugitives, some of whom have reached safety at Shihshuyuan.

Tho Japanese troops who escaped tho Taierhchwang debacle set fire to the town of Yihsien to cover their retreat. Chinese columns threaten to surround the Japanese headquarters, and others are destroying railway tracks and bridges in order to prevent the Japanese from reaching the main TientsinPukow line.

General Sun Lien-Chung reports the capture of 50() prisoners, who had been without food for 10 days owing to the Chinese surrounding them.

INCREASING TENSION BRITAIN GROWS UNEASY REVERSES OF JAPANESE CONSEQUENCES FEARED LONDON, April 8 One reason for the desire of the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, to hasten the completion of an agreement with Italy is the indications of increasing tension in the Far East, where Britain's naval forces have not been augmented since the commencement of the Sino-Japanose conflict, says the Australian Associated Press.

Once an agreement with Italy has been achieved Mr. Chamberlain will be free, if necessary, to detach ships from the Mediterranean to strengthen the Far East squadron, where Britain's comparative weakness is most disturbing.

Advices suggest that the Japanese, if their backs are to the wall, may be driven to desperate measures which would menace foreign interests and possibly Hongkong. The House of Commons to-da.y approved an exports clearing agreement with Italy on assurances from Colonel J. Colville,, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, that there was no suggestion of any loan, credit or financial assistance to Italy. A similar agreement with Rumania was approved.