RUMORS OF WAR

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17009, 22 July 1929, Page 7

RUMORS OF WAR

CHINA AND RUSSIA A SOVIET OFFENSIVE UNCONFIRMED REPORTS BORDER TOWNS CAPTURES (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) SHANGHAI:, July 20. The Mercury, a British evening paper, publishes an unconfirmed Japanese report that hostilities have broken out between Soviet and Chinese forces assembled on the Manchurian frontier, but the report is not supported by further information and is believed to be unreliable. Harbin, the Mnnchurian city, is the centre of the present political maelstrom. It is reported that the panic following the declaration of martial law and the stoppage of telegraphic communication with Russia has ceased, but telephonic communication continues. The Soviet consul was placed in a house under arrest late yesterday and all responsible Soviet officers connected with the railway administration have been ordered to evacuate China in 24 hours. Seventy additional suspected Russian Communists have been arrested. Harbin is patrolled by large forces of Chinese soldiery. The newspapers, even Japanese, are subjected to rigid censorship, and business is at a complete standstill. TWO SURPRISE ATTACKS Relayed unconfirmed messages from Japanese correspondents at Harbin report that the Soviet forces assumed the offensive at 10 o'clock this morning. They made two surprise attacks, capturing the border towns of Manchuria, Poprani and Chnaya, the former being the connecting link of the Chinese Eastern Siberian railway. The Chinese authorities, alarmed at the news of the Russian offensive, interned all Russian officials remaining in the city. The populace was panic-stricken in both besieged towns. Soviet aeroplanes carried out demonstrations on the border tow r ns and four Soviet gunboats arrived at the mouth of the Sungari. Nanking is outwardly calm, despite the reports of hostilities. At a meeting of the State Council to-day it was decided to sever diplomatic relations with Russia. General Saveloff, the Cossack leader, has established his headquarters at Harbin, and is enlisting White volunteers for active service against the Soviet.

HOPE NOT ABANDONED Though the Nationalist Foreign Office received the Soviet iNote severing relations the full text is not publishel locally. Following the receipt of Moscow's message, President Chiang conferred with the Government leaders, but the result of their deliberations is not announced, though Mr. Huhanmin, president of the Executive Council, and one of China's elder statesmen, declared that the Government was not perturbed by Moscow's attitude. "Nothing serious is," he said,."expected to come of it.'' In addition to announcing that war between China and Russia is most improbable, it is reiterated in official circles that the seizure of the railway was for the purpose of the suppression of Communist propaganda. Full responsibility for interference with international relations and the disruption of the service rests with the Soviet. Well-informed circles have announced that the Government has not entirely abandoned the hope of an amicable settlement, though China is fully prepared to meet any developments arising in the north. Telegrams from Chang Hseuh-Liang the Manchurian overlord, state that the .Soviet is continuing the concentration of troops on the Siberian border, and that the situation is extremely grave.

AN AMERICAN REMINDER OBSERVANCE OF TREATIES CHINESE MINISTER'S REPLY (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) WASHINGTON July 19. The United States, at the advice of General Stimson, has notiiied China and the Soviet that they are bound to preserve peace by the Kellogg Pact. General Stimson conferred with Mr. Wu, who stated that China was faithfully observing the pact, although it was technically still ineffective. He also intimated that the Chinese Government was observing metriculousdy the letter and spirit of the pacific treaty of 1921, as well as the Kellogg Pact. Mr. Wu stated:—"My Government's action in rejecting from the management of the Chinese Eastern railway certain Russian citizens was made necessary when the Russians concerned misused their positions in a manner detrimental to Chinese interests. In violation of the Soviet Government's solemn pledge they were disseminating in Chinese territory propaganda attacking the foundations of our Government and social institutions, a.s well as violating the relations between the Chinese and Russian Governments. This persists despite our desire for peace and is forcing war upon us. China, of course, will defend herselfg, but the aggressor nation will bear the responsibility, if the trouble is not settled by peaceful means.'' "FAR FROM WAR" A JAPANESE OPINION (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) KOBE, July 20. Mr. Asahi expresses the opinion that the Chino-Russian rupture is far from war. He says that relations have practically been broken before. If war breaks out, extreme Japanese circumspection will be needed, and if China insists on her present demands abnormal complications will arise. Mr. Hochie says it is China's and Russia's own concern. Both should, after consideration, realise the disadvantage of hostilities over Nortli Manchuria. He hopes for peace, but otherwise, the Powen; must actively promote peace. Mr. Kohumin says Japan must observe strict neutrality, but she must take action if the South Manchurian raihvuy is involved. She must also pjrevent Japanese adventurers fishing in troubled waters.