SHANSI PROVINCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23354, 20 November 1937, Page 13

SHANSI PROVINCE

TERRIBLE CONDITIONS THE RAVAGES OF WAR MANY TOWNS DESTROYED MERELY BLACKENED RUINS (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph— Copyright) SHANGHAI, Nov. 18. The Japanese claim that they have entered Hashing. They also claimed that a detachment advancing from Kunshun occupied Mengchiangmiao. halfway between Kunshun and Soochow. The Japanese air reconnaisance reported that the Chinese have begun withdrawal from Soochow towards the north. The Chinese claim that reinforcements in the Quinsan area, west of Shanghai, succeeded in holding up the Japanese advance 15 miles east of Soochow. Foreign military attaches estimate that Genera] Chiang Kai-shek has 400,000 troops defending an 85-mxle line west and north of Shanghai. English and American owners who visited their homes in the Hungjao road 4 area found that Japanese troops had looted them, though the homes were flying British . and American flags. The British United Press correspondent in the Shansi province describes the province as “hell on earth.” Many towns are blackened ruins. The Chinese forces are killing horses and mules for food, THE ROUT AT SHANGHAI RETREAT WITHOUT ORDERS LONDON, Nov. 18. (Received Nov. 19, at 9 p.m.) It is revealed that the rout of the Chinese before Shanghai was responsible for the sensational Japanese break through toward Nanking. Troops commanded by General Liuto-Chuan withdrew without orders at Huangtu, causing the remainder of the line to retreat In disorder. The Times Hongkong correspondent says Japanese planes resumed bombings on the southern railway without serious damage. These activities were believed to be due to reports that large shipments of trucks and fighting planes had arrived. There are frequent reports that the Japanese Navy is landing additional supplies at the islands from Canton and Amoy preparatory to further occupations. Junk owners complain that the Japanese rob them of fish and money, chop down masts and set them adrift. . The training of Chinese conscripts and the sale of war bonus certificates for purchasing aeroplanes and munitions have been _ intensified. There are indications of intention to continue fighting, whatever Nanking’s fate. AMERICA’S ATTITUDE WASHINGTON, Nov. 17. A resolution was introduced into the House of Representatives requesting Mr Roosevelt to declare a war existing between China and Japan and invoke the Neutrality Mr S. D. Mcßeynolds, chairman of the Foreign Office Committee, prevented the House from immediately considering the resolution He said that since July until a few days ago China had imported from the United States arms and ammunition valued at more than 5,000,000 dollars. Japan purchased only 1,500,000 dollars worth. “ The adoption of an isolationist policy by America,” he said, “ would assist Japan and the Fascist countries of Europe. We ought to stand up like a nation and tell those countries that they must comply with their treaties, and we should use every peaceable means to compel them to do it.” PANIC AT NANKING CHECKED ORDERLY EVACUATION NANKING, Nov. 19, (Received Nov. 19, at 11 p.m.) The panic has been checked at Nanking and order re-established, permitting evacuation to proceed calmly. Scores of fresh regiments have been thrown into the lines westward of Shanghai. Their appearance has rallied the demoralised divisions and stopped Japan’s triumphal advance on Nanking. The Japanese have only gained a foothold at the corner of Hashing. The Chinese are holding on desperately, fighting hand-to-hand in the streets. New barricades have been erected across the Yangtse in the vicinity of the Kim forts to impede the advance of the Japanese warships. MUNITIONS FOR CHINA BRITISH SHIPMENTS MANILA, Nov. 18. (Received Nov. 19, at 11 p.m.) The United Press correspondent «ays reliable private messages declare that British arms shipments to China, including aircraft antiaircraft guns, rifles, ammunition, medical supplies and motor trucks are pouring into Hongkong, choking the warehouses. It is stated that they were sent by private interests with the “ encouragement ’’ of the British Foreign Office, which, it is asserted, is anxious to offset a clearcut Japanese victory.