CIVIL WAR IN CHINA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18543, 2 May 1922, Page 5

CIVIL WAR IN CHINA

HEAVY FIGSTING REPORTED. RIFLE AND MACHINE CUN BATTLE. BRITISH VOLUNTEER CORPS MOBILISED. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright NEW YORK, April 30. (Received May 1, at 7.20 p.m.) The Chicago Tribune’s Tientsin correspondent states that heavy fighting continues at three points, the heavier being at Chang Sin-tun. The fighting consists chiefly of rifle and machine gun firing across the waterways, indicating that neither aide is able to effect a crossing. Heavy troop movements continue through Tientsin, both to Langfanf and Machang. The French gunboat Garonne has arrived. A British volunteer corps will be mobilised to-day. Arms and equipment have been issued, and the men have been ordered to report for duty on Monday afterndon.—A. and N.Z. Cable. MARTIAL LAW AT PEKING. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES ' DISCUSSED BY ALLIED DIPLOMATS. NEW YORK, May 1. (Received May 1, at 8.40 p.m.) Following upon the declaration of martial law at Peking the diplomatic body met to' discuss precautionary measures. It was decided to wait $ reply from the Chinese Foreign Office in regard to the warning against fighting in Peking. The commanders of the Allied tpoops at Tientsin reported that they were ready to : seize the Peking-Tientsin railway if traffic is interrupted. The American Legation suggested that Washington should send an additional gunboat to Tientsin. President Chang has issued three proclamations—the first ordering the opposing forces to withdraw in view of the demoralisation of the nation’s industries; the second asking the Peking gendarmerie to take adequate measures to protect the Peking metropolitan area; and the third emphasising the need for protecting the lives and property of foreigners.—A. and N.Z. Cable