JAPAN’S AIM

Taranaki Daily News, 14 January 1933, Page 7

JAPAN’S AIM

CAMPAIGN IN MANCHUKUO IMPORTANT PASS CAPTURED PRIVATIONS OF THE TROOPS MANY FROZEN TO DEATH RETREAT OF THE CHINESE By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. ■Shanghai, January 12. No possible doubt is left in the minds of Chinese and foreign observers regarding the future intentions of the Japanese. It is now certain that the Shanhaikwan affair is a preliminary move to a general campaign. Chiumenkow Pass is definitely in the liands of the Japanese, but the terrible privations experienced by both sides during the fight for a strategic point beggar description. The Japanese, unaccustomed to the cold,' fared badly. Many were frozen to death, and when the Japanese captured the first Chinese defences they found hundred of frozen corpses. Many of the Chinese were not wounded, but had died from exposure. The victorious forces are now virtually inside the pass, while the defeated Chinese have retired to more habitable territory. 1 OBJECTIVE OF JAPANESE

CONTROL OF JEHOL PROVINCE.

SHAN HAI SWAN NEUTRAL ZONE.'

Rec. 12.38 a.m. London, Jan. 13. “The statement issued by the Tpkio War Office leaves little doubt,” says the Times, “that Japan’s object is to obtain control of the province of Jehol, the master of which can overawe the northern region o‘f China proper. Politically its value is enhanced by large revenue from opium. “The Japanese authorities are convinced that the grist for the anti-Japanese agitation in the three eastern provinces is largely supplied by Jehol and that their pacification is impossible while the Governor of Jehol is uncontrolled and unfriendly. “The main Japanese proposal is that Shanhaikwan should be regarded henceforth as a neutral zone. The plan has much to recommend it and affords proof of Japan’s conciliatory spirit at Shanhaikwan. Slight response by Marshal Chang to the Japanese proposals might have established tranquility. The point of the matter is of profound conern to all. The Powers, if the fighting spreads south to the Great Wall, could hardly remain inactive any longer. - v DETERMINATION OF CHINA. WILL FIGHT IF NECESSARY. Rec. 10 p.m. Geneva, Jan. 12. The Chinese Prime Minister, Mr. Wang Ching Wei, returning to China after convalescing in Germany, stated that the Chinese were determined to fight to the last to defend their territory if they were unable to obtain satisfaction from the League of Nations.