WARNING ISSUED

Southland Times, Issue 21649, 10 March 1932, Page 7

WARNING ISSUED

JAPANESE GENERAL MENACING ACTIVITIES OF CHINESE SITUATION IN SHANGHAI (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) Shanghai, March 8. General Shirakawa has issued a warning to the Chinese regarding the continued concentration of hostile troops in the vicinity of the Japanese defences, and stating that the digging of trenches and the erecting of defences constitutes a threat which the Japanese cannot overlook. If a serious clash occurs the responsibility will be with the Chinese. The Nanking populace is reported to be excited, and many are evacuating the city owing to reports of the approaching Japanese and receding- Chinese troops, both of which are discredited. Marshal Chiang Kai-shek has been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese Army, Navy and Air Force. The situation at Shanghai is brighter, following an announcement that the Chinese public services are to be resumed in the devastated areas. Changchun, the new capital of the new Manchurian State of Manchowkou, is agog with excitement pending the inauguration of the new Regent. The ex-Emperor of China is now generally known as Mr Pu Yi. All the preparations are in the hands of the Japanese. Meantime, the developments in Manchuria are again, attracting attention. Harbin reports that 61 locomotives have been sent from the Chinese Eastern Railway into Russia, but the purpose is unknown.

DANGER OF CIVIL WAR CANTONESE AND CHIANG’S TROOPS. (Rec. 12.55 a.m.) Shanghai, March 9. Despite General Shirakawa’s warning to the Chinese yesterday, he officially indicated to a Press conference to-day that he did not expect further major hostilities, though the danger of civil war between the Cantonese forces and Chiang Kai-shek’s troops in the areas around Shanghai was obvious, necessitating retaining considerable Japanese forces along the twenty kilometre boundaries. STATE OF MANCHURIA OPPOSITION TO NEW REGENT. (Rec. 1.5 a.m.) Tokio, March 9. Innumerable simultaneous fires in Mukden early this morning are reported. Hundreds of those arrested were caught redhanded and are said to be adherents of Chang Hsueh-liang. The fires were intended as a demonstration against the inaugural ceremony and the investiture of Henry Pu Yi as Regent of the new State of Manchuria. LEAGUE’S DUTY MEDIATION, NOT COERCION. (Rec. 12.55 a.m.) London, March 9. The British Government will not participate in any coercive measures against Japan, Sir John Simon told the Daily Mail’s special representative at Geneva. He added that the League's duty was to obtain a settlement by mediation, not coercion, which would inevitably leave one of the parties embittered.