FIGHTING IN CHINA.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 September 1924, Page 5

FIGHTING IN CHINA.

USE OF AIHOBAIFT. REPORTED DEFEAT OF W. By Telegraph—Press Assn —Copyright. Peking, Sept. 25. After meeting the diplomatic body (not including Kara Khan), the following memorandum was sent to Waa-chia-Opu and Oh&ng-Tso-Lin this afternoon by Oudendijik:— “The outbreak of hostilities in China makes it probable that the commanders of the various military forces will make extensive use of aircraft in the conduct of their campaigns. The head? of the Legations at Peking, although resolved not to interfere in any way in this regrettable conflict, nevertheless deem it necessary to point out to Your Excellency that they view with the gravest concern the use of this weapon against other objectives than military forces in the field, fortified places, or naval units. Dropping bombs from aeroplanes on undefended towns is not only an act of wanton destruction, but a crime against the peaceful population.

“In the City of Peking not only are situated ttT Legations of frienaiy Powers, but its walk enclose numerous palaces, temples and other historical buildings, which are rightly considered monument* of great value if the history of the. civilisation of mankind. The dropping of bombs from aeroplanes on to whs and villages can have no possible military value, but only cause untold misery and suffering to numbers of inoffensive non-combatant* and cause the destruction of priceless monuments and moreover the lives and properties of foreign nationals who are taking no part whatsoever in the actual conflict.

*sFor these reasons the heads of the Legations feel it their duty to make this appeal to Your Excellency and, whilst giving expression to their satisfaction that the intention was made known to afford full protection to the lives and properties of foreigners, thej r trust that no air attacks will be made endangering the lives of their nationrzs. “Should, however, foreign lives be lost or property destroyed as a result of an attack by aeroplanes on the capital or any treaty port they would feel obliged to hold strictly responsible the authority who ordered the attack.” London, Sept. 25. A Mukden communique claims that 8000 TJhihli troops have been defeated during the past few days. The remnants, about 2000, fled west of Chaoyang. IMPORTANT VICTORIES ANNOUNCED. Peking, Sept. 25. Two important victories are announced in a communique issued by Chang-Tso-Lin, the capture of the Chaoyang north railway and the town of Kincliow in Chihli with a lo*s of 600 killed, 400 prisoners, six guns, eight machine-guns and 1000 rifles. The vie-* torioos Manchtw are advancing towards Ligyuan. An unofficial and trustworthy report states that Chang's forces have taken Kailu, the CffiiHli troops suffering heavily. The total Mukden force* number 190,000, and they are well-equipped and •well-fed. 'Foreign critics say the field organisation surpasses that of the staff. If the latter proves equal to the task, Chang, with initial victories to h'is credit, should overcome anything Wu-Pei-Fu can put into the field.

There are already many desertions from the Chihli army. It is reported to be doubtful whether Chang will be able to cope with the Peking bribing of generals, Which is usually a feature of factional wars in China. Chang is confident, and saye he hopes to entertain in Peking shortly. He is credited with having a force of 50 aeroplanes and many skilled foreign pilots, who have been ordered to bomb the Presidential palace.