TERRIFIC BATTLE ROUND HANKOW

Southland Times, Issue 23610, 10 September 1938, Page 7

TERRIFIC BATTLE ROUND HANKOW

CHINESE CASUALTIES HEAVY

TEIAN ALMOST DESTROYED BY AIR RAID

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright)

(Received September 10, 12.40 a.m.) SHANGHAI, September 9. Terrific fighting is raging round Hankow. The Chinese losses are estimated at 20,000 in a fortnight. Japanese aeroplanes raided and almost destroyed Teian, killing 200 persons.

The Japanese right wing has occupied Changpoling. The Japanese pincer movement against Hankow is making steady progress, says a message from Tokyo. Three forces are converging on the city from the south-west, while other forces are advancing from the north. ,The Chinese are forming a new defence line south of Mamuiling. They admit that a desperate attempt against -the Japanese flank was vain.

The Japanese claim that they have not only shattered Hankow’s outer defences, but have broken the inner line at three points. Japanese aeroplanes shot down another air liner belonging to the Eurasia Company south-west of Hankow. Only Hie pilot was aboard. The Japanese declare that they were not informed of the aeroplane’s movements, therefore they were not responsible. The Eurasia Company announced that if was suspending the services indefinitely.