WAR AND PLAGUE

Taranaki Daily News, 5 September 1932, Page 7

WAR AND PLAGUE

CHINA SUFFERS SCOURGE

BANDITS ATTACKING TOWNS

TOLL TAKEN BY DISEASES

DISPUTE WITH JAPANESE

LYTTON REPORT COMPLETE

By Telegraph—Press Ajsn.—Copyright.

Rec. 5.5 p.m. Shanghai, Sept. 3. The report of the Lytton Commission, which has been investigating the SinoJhpanese dispute, is completed. The members, except for a few minor details, unanimously' endorse the report, which has not been communicated to China or Japan. Sealed copies will he delivered and opened simultaneously with, the release of the report at Geneva. Lord Lytton and his colleagues will return to their homelands immediately. A Kobe message states that the Japanese War Office has prohibited the publication of news of the bandits’ attacks on Mukden, Changehun and the neighbourhood, except such as is published officially, owing to exaggerations hitherto. Actually the Japanese Press is displaying little interest in Manchurian banditry, though it is most troublesome. In every part of Manchuria towns are being attacked, people kidnapped and trains derailed and looted. High millet crops afford, ideal cover for snipers.

A Nanking message states that the Government’s report on the cholera epidemic throughout the nation reveals an alarming situation—possibly the worst in China’s history, though it is declining. Sixteen provinces and 200 cities are affected. The death-rate .is 77.5 per cent. Coffin shops are unable to cope with the demand. In some instances entire villages have perished. The outbreak is believed to be a sequel to last year’s floods. Bubonic plague in Shansi province is spreading with alarming rapidity.