TIRED OF PEACE BLUFF

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 749, 23 August 1929, Page 9

TIRED OF PEACE BLUFF

CHINA AND REDS START REAL FIGHTING SEVERE BATTLE REPORTED (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) Reed. 9.13 a.m. SHANGHAI, Thurs. It is reported that 4,000 Russians invaded Manchuria, moving northward to Lake Hengkai, where they occupied the important town of Mishan. The Chinese who were garrisoned there immediately withdrew. Ninety per cent, of the Chinese civil population along <\e border’ has fled. Today’s war reports reveal an apparently increasing desire by both China and Russia to discard bluff and start real fighting. The Russians launched their third offensive in three days at Chalanor and inflicted minor casualties. A Soviet bomber was brought down by Chinese anti-aircraft guns. A village north of Kirin was raided and a number of houses was set afire and wealthy merchants kidnapped. The Russian objective is believed to be Harbin. A British naval wireless message says a report has been received of severe fighting between Chinese and Russian troops. Although the point at which the conflict occurred is not mentioned, presumably it refers to the fierce engagement at Manchuli on Wednesday morning. It is estimated that 300 Chinese were killed. The Russians also suffered heavy losses. The Russian commander in a report says his forces are making strenuous efforts to cap;/ re Manchuli.