FIERCE FIGHTING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23331, 25 October 1937, Page 7

FIERCE FIGHTING

SETBACK FOR JAPANESE CHINESE MANOEUVRES SUCCESS OF GUERILLA WARFARE THE BATTLE FOR SHANGHAI (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SHANGHAI, Oct. 23. , (Received C”t. 24, at 6.30 p.m.) The Japanese in North China are threatened with annihilation owing to the outflanking manoeuvres and the guerilla raids of the Red Army in Shansi, Reports from other quarters also suggest that Japan’s invasion seems to have received a setback. The Chinese recapture of Hsikkow Heights relieved the beleagured troops. “Red Napoleon” (General Chuteh) co-operated with General Wei, who commands an army of 200,000 Nanking Regulars, in relieving the beleagured troops. Peasant guerilla bands, continuing their swift thrusts, are interrupting Japanese supplies and mobile units. They cut the Japanese rail communications in seven places. Chinese planes, assisting to cripple transport, bombed troop and munition lorries. Anticipating a Japanese offensive against Sinanfu, the capital of Shantung, the Chinese opened the dykes on the Tuhsieh River and flooded the area over which the Japanese planned to advance. Battle for Shanghai Japan’s invasion seems to have received a setback. Waves of Chinese counter-attacks on the Shanghai fronts dealt severely with the Japanece, who tried unsuccessfully to stem the onrush of hordes of Chinese. In the Woosung Creek area the Chinese attacked with great spirit and recaptured Black Prince Temple and several positions threatening the rear of the Japanese salient westward of Dazang, the occupation of which cost the Japanese heavily. These may be the final battles for mastery at Shanghai. Both sides are determined to fight to the end, despite staggering losses. Dazang, the chief Japanese objective in north Shanghai, remains in Chinese hands. The battlefield rocked like an earthquake by three huge explosions, believed to be land mines. Flames and smoke shot hundreds of feet in the air. It seemed impossible that a single Chinese soldier in the vicinity would remain alive. Decisive Issue Expected The fighting continues unabated, as both sides feel it may prove the decisive battle of the war. Japanese planes since dawn have been carrying out the heaviest bombardment. At least 250,000 troops, a score of warships, and dozens of planes are engaged in fighting next door to the International Settlement. British cotton mills are ablaze. Other foreign property miraculously escaped. Twenty thousand Japanese reinforcements have landed at Shanghai. According to Japanese information, General Han Fu Chu, Governor of Shantung province, has decided to take the field against Japan, and has posted two divisions at Tsingtao to protect that vital port. The Japanese are cautiously advancing towards Tsinan, and claim to have cut a passage to their beleagured compatriots at Honan. An American Protest A Japanese bomb fell in the International Settlement near Soochow Creek and killed 30 and wounded others, including four Sikhs and a United States marine. The American Embassy protested to the Japanese commander-in-chief, who promised that everything would be done to prevent a recurrence. CHINESE WITHDRAW SUBJECTED TO HEAVY BOMBING SHANGHAI, Oct. 24. (Received Oct. 25, at 1.13 a.m.) This morning the Chinese commenced a strategic withdrawal along the line north of Shanghai, but they still maintained their hold on the Shanghai North Station, around which they apparently intend to pivot. The Japanese subjected the retiring troops to very heavy artillery and aeroplane bombing, though they showed caution in following the Chinese. INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT JAPANESE MILITARY MISSION PEKING, Oct. 23. (Received Oct. 24, at 7.30 p.m.) The special Japanese Military Mission arrived and the early establishment of a Government independent of Nanking is expected. The Japanese are reported to be taking over the Tsingsing coal mines in North China, containing 220,000,000 tons of coal, from the joint Sino-German Company, by buying out the German share. RESPONSE TO APPEAL CHINESE FUND IN LONDON LONDON, Oct. 24. (Received Oct. 24, at 7.30 p.m.) The first contributions to the Lord Mayor’s Chinese Fund include sums ranging from 1000 guineas, which the City Corporation subscribed, to a shilling. The Bank of England. Sir Abe Bailey, and Lord Wakefield have given £IOOO each and important banks 500 guineas each.