CHINA UNIFIED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20799, 19 August 1929, Page 9

CHINA UNIFIED

COMBATING RUSSIAN AGGRESSION. PURCHASE OF FIGHTING PLANES. HEAVY EXPENDITURE. (United Press Association,} (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) HONGKONG, August 17. (Received August 18, at 5.5 p.m.)' At a meeting at. the office of the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs at Canton yesterday it was stated that, in view, of Sino-Russian affairs having assumed a grave aspect, the Bureau of Aviation was preparing a scheme for the expansion of aerial activities. It is now drawing up a scheme for the purchase of 100 machines from an American aeroplane company. Twenty will be fighting and 20 attacking planes, 10 scouting, two bombing, and 10 Spr training. The cost —2,000,000 Hongkong dollars—is being raised partly by public subscription. China appears unified in. her intention to resist Russia at all costs.—Australian Press Association—United Service. WHO COMMENCED THE TROUBLE? REPORTS OF SERIOUS CLASHES DOUBTED. WASHINGTON, August 17. (Received August 18, at 5.5 p.m.) The State Department has declared itself without information in reference to a London despatch that the Chinese Minister here is to notify the signatories to the Kellogg Pact that Russia began the offensive on the Manchurian border. The Chinese Minister, Mr Wu, declined to discuss the situation, and officials are inclined to accept with some reserve the reports of serious clashes. —Australian Press Association.