AT NANKING GATES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23370, 9 December 1937, Page 11

AT NANKING GATES

THE JAPANESE INVADERS READY FOR FINAL SWOOP ARTILLERY BOMBARDMENT TERRIBLE PLIGHT OF CHINESE ) (United Press’ Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) NANKING, Dec. 7. Apparently large bodies of troops remain in Nanlcing, with the choice of surrendering or dying fighting. The Japanese, while awaiting the arrival of sufficient troops to ensure the holding of the city after its capture, before finally launching storming parties, maintained all day attacks on the last of the defensive lines. They found the opposition less than they expected, indicating that the only rearguard action to the main Japanese thrust will threaten the eastern face of the city, but a flanking column circled Nanking in an effort to cut off the Chinese retreat via the Pukow-Tientsin railway, The latter force hopes to attack the northern gates simultaneously with the southern force assailing the western gates. The British United Press Association’s correspondent in Nanking reports that artillery is already bombarding the north-western gates in order to create a breach through which tanks and infantry may pass. The Chinese still maintain the ferry services across the Yangtsekiang from Nanking to Pukow on the main line of retreat.

Other sources declare that the Japanese have already occupied the mountainous area east of the city. The invaders do not guarantee immunity in the safety zones, as they may harbour Chinese troops, but agree not to attack undefended zones. The existing “ safety zone ” is the scene of an endless procession of sorrow. Many of the participants arc starving and are without possessions. The movement is no less tragic because such flights are now commonplace. The Chinese authorities have ordered the evacuation of all troops from the zone and the demolition of its defensive works. Fifteen foreigners, including Englishmen, Frenchmen, and Americans, are sponsoring a plan to remain in the area as evidence of good faith. Their heroism may avert a holocaust. FURIOUS BATTLE RAGING CITY ENVELOPED IN SMOKE TOKIO, Dec. 7. The Japanese forces, having occupied all strategic positions in the suburbs, began a general attack against Nanking this morning. The city is now surrounded by smoke. A later message states that a furious battle is raging before the city. The Japanese have reached the walls of the city, while the main army is ready for the final attack. The Chinese troops, who are hurriedly evacuating Nanking and crossing the river in junks, are setting fire to buildings as they retreat. The Domei Agency expresses the opinion that Japan is likely to break off diplomatic relations with China after the fall of Nanking, which will reduce Marshal Chiang Kaishek’s Government to the status of a local administration. Chiang Kaishek has left Nanking and is believed to have gone to Nanchang. REJOICING IN TOKIO BIG PROCESSION PLANNED \ • LONDON, Dec. 7. The Tokio correspondent of The Times says; “ Cabinet discussed the situation contingent on the fall 01 Nanking. It is hoped that a new Chinese Government sufficiently imposing to justify recognition and disposed towards peace may replace General Chiang Kai-shek’s Administration.” ~ _, . The Daily Telegraph s Tokio representative says: “ The impending fall of Nanking occupies every mind and all the newspapers, and plans have been completed for a flag narade by day and a torch parade at night Evolving 1,000,000 students and other youths marching to the shrines of the Shinto gods. GENERAL CHIANG KAI-SHEK RESIGNATION POSSIBLE SHANGHAI, Dec. 8. (Received Dec. 9, at 0.30 a.m.) It is believed that General Chiang Kai-shek, following his departure from Nanking, may possibly retire from the Premiership. His most likely successors are thought to be Dr Wang Ching-Wei, a former Premier, who favours reaching a compromise with Japan, and General Hoying Ching, Minister of War.