FIGHTING STARTS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17029, 14 August 1929, Page 7

FIGHTING STARTS

RUSSIA AND CHINA TWO SERIOUS CLASHES SLIGHT CASUALTIES REPORTED 'Elee. Tel. Opy right— United Press A sen.) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) SHANGHAI, August 13. A Manchuli message dated August 12 reports two skirmishes between Soviet, and Chinese troops on the border, with slight casualties. Chinese cavalry scouts attacked by Soviet machine-gunners replied. The exact number of casualties is unknown.

The above report, which is Japanese, is confirmed by an independent foreign agency, which adds that the clashes occupied two hours. Two Chinese were killed and 10 severely wounded, in the vicinity of Kirit. According to information emanating from the Nanking Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Soviet is massing heavymilitary forces along Suifenho, and frequently invaded Chinese soil, apparently to precipitate war. Chinese generals commanding the frontiers are repeatedly asking instructions in the event of the Soviet attacks becoming more serious. Nanking reported that thev had been ordered to exercise strict forbearance and self-restraint.

RUSSIANS OPEN FIRE DEMONSTRATION WITH TANKS (United Service.) HONGKONG.. August 13. A sensational report comes from Chinese sources to-day, stating that 'iguiing broke out between Russian and Chinese troops on the Manchuli border ■esterday morning. The reports assert that the Soviet troops demonstrating with tanks on the Iwrder, opened Are oti the Kirin troops with machine guns. The Chinese retaliated and fighting lasted for an hour, there being casualties on both sides. It is further alleged there has been fighting at several points on the border although this is not confirmed officially. Keports of this fighting in Manchuria are most persistent, and from sources usually reliable. NEW RUSSIAN FORCE FAR EASTERN ARMY Aisstralian and N.Z. Press Association.' (Received August 14, 10 a.m.) SHANGHAI, August 13. The Tass News Agency announces the formation of a special Far Eastern army under General Bliiecher.a former deputy commander of the Ukrainian military district, and earlier a colleague of M. Borodin, the Russian agent. General Bluecher is reported already to have departed eastwards.