CLASHES ON BORDER

Taranaki Daily News, 16 August 1929, Page 9

CLASHES ON BORDER

FIGHTING IN MANCHURIA GUNFIRE THROUGHOUT DAY MANCHULI CITY IN PANIC CASUALTIES ON BOTH SIDES By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copy right. Received Aug. 15, 11 p.m.' Sun Cable. Shanghai, Aug. 15. Though Mukden and Tokio have definitely announced an outbreak of hostilities on the Manchurian border, a later message from Japanese observers states gun-firing continued throughout the day but there was no encounter on a large scale. Firing ceased at nightfall. Earlier messages received at Mukden from the Governor of Kirin reported a serious outbreak of hostilities along the eastern front. Three hundred Soviet marines and aeroplanes w'ere landed from Soviet gunboats on the Sungari River, and are occupying two small towns on the north bank. Other Soviet troops are occupying the city of Nordun, near. Manchuli, on the western front, following a bombardment and demonstrations.

Several minor clashes between Chinese and Russian troops are reported oh the heights outside Manchuli, throwing the c.ity into panic. Casualties are uncertain, though both sides are reported to have suffered in a clash lasting eix hours.

It is stated that a force of Soviet cavalry crossed the river Argun, attacking and looting the village of Dalainor, killing a number of Chinese and throwing the bodies into the river. It is also stated that 30 Soviet employees on the Chinese Eastern Railway were arrested by the Chinese an the result of the mines being flooded following a general strike. Observers report that the whole situation is fraught with grave possibilities. Chinese troops are organising the border defences. The White Russians are also active.