THREAT OF WAR IN CHINA

Taranaki Daily News, 18 July 1929, Page 11

THREAT OF WAR IN CHINA

CHINESE AND RUSSIANS MOBILISE

REPLY MADE TO SOVIET ULTIMATUM

MEN AND GUNS MOVE TO FRONTIER

JBy Telegraph-Press Assn. —Copyright.) Received July 18,1.20 a.m.

Shanghai, July 17.

Chinese military-authorities in three eastern provinces are contemplating the organisation of a large force, while the Russians’ organisation is believed to have already been effected under General Semenoff, head of the White Russian organisation in the Far East, says a report from Harbin. Crack Soviet units are appearing on the border of Manchuria, causing consternation in Chinese military circles. Chiang-Kaishek has been urgently requested to send reinforcements.

Vladivistock reports state that Soviet troops are moving at many points along the border. Heavy artillery and cavalry are noticeable.

Peking reports state that the Moscow Government has ordered Soviet citizens to prepare to return to Russia. Many have already quit Harbin and northern points in expectation of the outbreak of hostilities.

Professor Serebriakoff, the Soviet envoy appointed to investigate the dispute is reported to have cancelled the journey to Harbin pending China’s reply to the ultimatum which is reported to have been despatched to Moscow at 8 o’clock last night. The reply deals lengthily with Russia’s alleged breach of the railway agreement, emphasising the propaganda charge.

The reply expresses willingness to negotiate for a settlement of the outstanding issues through Chu-Shao-1 ang, the Chinese Minister at Moscow, upon the latter’s return. The last section of the translation of Moscow’s ultimatum reached Nanking only at 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon, the reply being despatched at 8 o’clock,

Shanghai, July 10. Manchuria dispatches indicate considerable activity on the part of the Chinese, who are reported to be rushing well-equipped troops to strengthen parts of the frontier. Official advices report that Mukden las been ordered by Nanking to mobilise 100,000 troops. There is also r. considerable movement of Soviet troops on the Siberian railway. ■ It is reported that four Russian divisions, equipped with modern weapons, poison gas units, and an aviation corps, have been stationed at Vladivostock and Blagoveshchensk. There are also 50,000 to 60,000 Chinese corps engaged on the Sino-Russian border, in addition to 200,000 who are mobilising in Northera Manchuria. The authorities are continuing to deport Soviet railway officers. Business is at a standstill at Harbin.

Nanking is sending a pacific reply to Russia, expressing its willingness to negotiate, providing the agreement of 1024 is faithfully carried out, and its willingness to release Russian prisoners, provided Russia releases Chinese prisoners numbering 1000. This will maintain the Sino-Russian friendship,

which is still firm, as long as Russia abstains from Communist propaganda. Meanwhile the latest advices state ' that both sides are moving troops to the [frontier. It is alleged that the Soviet j forces have already entered Western Manchuria.

The Chinese Charge d’Affairs at Moscow has requested an extension of three days from the period fixed to reply to the Russian Note.

The guard at the Chinese Embassy has been strengthened.

The Soviet’s ultimatum proposes:—An immediate conference to regulate the. questions of the Chinese Eastern Railway. That the Chinese authorities shall cancel the arbitrary orders regarding the railway. The immediate release of the arrested Soviet officials.

The Note warns the Mukden Nationalist Government that it should weigh seriously the consequences of the rejection of the proposals. In the event of an unsatisfactory answer in three days the Soviet will bo “compelled to resort to other means for the protection of the lawful rights of the Soviet Republic.”