THE CHINESE WAR

Southland Times, Issue 19509, 8 May 1922, Page 5

THE CHINESE WAR

CHANG’S ARMY ENVELOPED. DEBACLE HAILED WITH REJOICING. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) TIENTSIN, May 5. Wu Pei-fu’s forces made a detour round Pekin, cutting the Mukden railway and frustrating Chang-tso-lin’s retreat. The latter is reported to be taking refuge in the French concession. The Chinese press unanimously rejoices at Chang-tso-lin’s debacle, pointing out that Japanese control of Manchuria is menaced. News from all battle fronts confirms the report that Wu Pei-fu’s first act on entering Pekin will be to issue a proclamation inviting Sun-yat-sen to assist in the unification of China. PEKIN- ENTERED. PEKIN, May 6. (Received May 7, 5.5 p.m.) Wu Pei-fu entered Pekin and visited President Hsu Shih-Chang and assured him that he would not interfere with the Pekin Government. Chang Tso-lin is fleeing to Manchuria. The defeated Fengtein troops are marching on Tientsin. They are beyond control and are burning, killing, and looting en route. Wu Pei-fu announced a temporary dictatorship. He intends to call a constitutional convention to permit the people to select a form of government. He rejected a suggstion that he should offer peace to Chang Tso-lin, stating that he wad determined to completely destroy Chang’s power. Wu Pei-fu did not attempt to triumphantly enter Pekin or assume control. President Hsu Shih-Chang issued a mandate dismissing the Premier Lung Shih-yi and ordering his arrest. He also dismissed and ordered the arrest of the Finance Minister, Chang-hu and the Minister for Communications, Yeh Kung-chio.