FINAL ATTACK ON NANKING DELAYED

Southland Times, Issue 23378, 9 December 1937, Page 5

FINAL ATTACK ON NANKING DELAYED

Japan Ensures Complete Victory

CHINESE LEADER LEAVES DOOMED CAPITAL

Successor May Compromise With Tokyo

(United Press Association— Telegraph Copyright) (Received December 8, 10.5 p.m.) LONDON, December 8. The Japanese advance on Nanking is believed to have been slowed up till the capture of Wuhu ensures full support from the south-west; this is expected today. . e Apparently large bodies of Chinese troops remain m Nanking, with the choice of surrender or dying fighting. The Japanese, though awaiting the arrival of sufficient troops to ensure holding the city after its capture before finally launching storming parties, maintained attacks all . day on the last defensive lines. They found the opposition less than expected, indicating only a rearguard action. It is believed that the Chinese President (Marshal Chiang Kai-shek), after his departure from Nanking this morning, may possibly retire from the leadership. . His most likely successors are thought to be Dr Wang Ching-wei, a former Prime Minister, who favours reaching a compromise with Japan, and General Hoy Ing-ching, the Minister of War. .... A message from Shanghai states that certain circles in the Central Government are believed to have declared that negotiations are possible if the Japanese terms are reasonable.