OPEN WAR FEARED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19374, 12 July 1937, Page 5

OPEN WAR FEARED

NORTHERN CHINA CLASH WITH JAPANESE TROOPS APPROACH PEKIN THREATS FROM CAPITALS EXTREME STEPS POSSIBLBE (Blue. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. July 12, 10.50 a.m.) LONDON, July 11. Reports I'rom Pekin stale that yesterday a .serious clash between Japanese and, Chinese troops occurred at Wangping, the wall city, which the Japanese are reported to be seeking to reoccupy.

An outbreak of extensive hostilities between the Chinese and Japanese forces is feared, as negotiations to settle the Wangping-Marco Paolo Bridge incident are reported to have broken down. The Chinese authorities, who have fulfilled the agreement, allege that the Japanees are returning troops to the disputed area and threaten drastic measures if the Japanese army fails to carry out the terms. Major Takecimai, Japanese military attache in Pekin, said that Japan desired to create a situation where a recurrence of the unfortunate incident would be impossible. An outbreak of war was averted by a settlement of the bridge controversy, which was reached early by high Chinese and Japanese officials. The terms are secret. .Japanese liaison officers yesterday were fraternising with the Chinese gendarmes, who are garrisoning Wangping, which has not suffered from bombardment. Army Chiefs Meet in Tokio

To-day's Tokio reports slate that the Japanese Army chiefs met the Japanese War Office in secret at dawn. It was announced afterwards that General Kiyoshi, the inspector-general of military education, had been appointed to command the Japanese forces in North China in succession to General Tashiro, who has resigned on account of heart trouble. The Cabinet decided to dispatch forces to China failing a Chinese, apology, and the cessation of anti-Japanese activities. After the settlement reported to have been reached in connection with the bridge incident, reports were received in Tokio of further fighting in which seven Japanese were killed and 10 wounded. Both sides intend to use all the available forces if necessary.

A Nanking message says that the Chinese Central Government is reported to have decided to throw its full weight against Japan if necessary. The Japanese have brought up troops in carriages coupled to ordinary trains, as the Chinese authorities are refusing them specials. The Japanese now occupy the Wangping area almost to the gates of Pekin.