MANCHUKUO RAID

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19699, 3 August 1938, Page 5

MANCHUKUO RAID

RUSSIAN PLANES

NO CASUALTIES INVOLVED

TOKIO REPEATS WARNING

MOSCOW .ACCUSATIONS

JAPANESE AGGRESSION

(Klec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.)

(Reed. Aug. 3, 11.20 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 2

According to .the Tokio War Office, 15 Soviet planes bombed Changkufeng, Manchukuo, this morning. The War Office describes the damage as negligible as a result of the raid. The Japanese Foreign Office spokesman, replying as to whether it was to be peace or war, said: "The chances are fifty-fifty. Everything depends on the attitude of the Soviet. We are maintaining a non-provocative attitude as far as possible, but there is a limit to our patience."

Residents of Tokio were electrified bv reports of the Soviet aic raids. The heads of the Japanese War Office and the Foreign Office sat up throughout the night studying reports from Hsinking and from Seoul. A Korean communique stated that Soviet planes twice Hew over frontline positions at Changkufeng, bombing and machine-gunning. No damage was caused and no casualties were involved. Later heavy bombers crossed the Tetmen River and attacked the railway near Kaimsojyo. The Japanese shot down five Soviet planes. Extremely Critical

The full Cabinet met for two hours at Tokio to consider the bombings. It is stated that the position was regarded by the Cabinet as extremely critical, though hopes of localising the conflict were not abandoned.

The Japanese Foreign Office denied that the Russians had recaptured Changkufeng. Twenty additional bodies of Russians were found to-day at Changkufeng, bringing the total to 70. Details from the border at Tokio were scanty, but indicated renewed fighting with tanks and aeroplanes.

The British United Press correspondent at Tokio says that the Japanese at Changkufeng are repulsing a Russian d»ivc which was launched at sunset.

The stock markets in Tokio reflected the serious view taken by business people of the border incidents, the entire list showing losses of one to seven yen. Forces Standing By

It is admitted in Tokio that Japanese military, naval and air units are standing by at points in Korea. The military forces have completed full preparations if action is necessitated, but generally are exercising restraint to prevent aggravation of the incident.

A Korean army headquarters communique states: "At 6 a.m. Soviet planes, in formation, illegally crossed the border into Korea on the right flank of the Tumen River and bombed the village of Jojo." The Manchukuoan Government has vigorously protested to the Soviet with a warning that it must accept the responsibility for grave possibilities and expressing willingness for a diplomatic settlement, once the attacks ceased. Major-General Todo, who recently commanded the Korean forces, said the attacks were not likely to lead to anything serious. Japan was prepared for all eventualities. Attempt to Seize Heights

A message from Moscow states that the Soviet account of the clash as given in a communique is that soon after a Japanese attempt to seize the heights of Bezynay Noya they concentrated a division fronting the Zaozernaaya Hill, which is Soviet property. Then on Sunday, under artillery cover, Japanese unexpectedly attacked the Soviet frontier guards, forcing them back from the Zaozernaaya Hill. Simultaneously Japanese artillery covered the flanks and roads to block Soviet reinforcements, while Japanese infantry penetrated Soviet territory to a depth of two and a-half miles. Several hours later Soviet regulars drove back the Japanese from the territory. The Japanese killed and wounded numbered 400. The Russians had 13 killed and 55 wounded. The Japanese abandoned five big guns, 14 machine-guns, and 157 rifles. The Russians had one tank damaged.

AVOIDING OPEN WAR

EFFORTS OF DIPLOMATS

"BORDER TROUBLES"

(Reed Aug. 3, 12.10 p.m.)

LONDON, Aug. 2.

The Australian Associated Press says that advices reaching London through diplomatic channels from Moscow and Tokio indicate that the situation at Changkufeng can be viewed with distinctly more optimism than is possible from reading the factual reports of the fighting. It is considered certain that neither Russia nor Japan wish the incident to lead to a general outbreak and will do their utmost to keep the clash under the category of "border troubles."