HAVOC OF AERIAL BOMBS

Taranaki Daily News, 4 March 1933, Page 7

HAVOC OF AERIAL BOMBS

RAPID JAPANESE ADVANCE ATTACK UPON CHIHFENG REINFORCEMENTS BOMBED Shanghai, March 3. Japanese aeroplanes to-day bombed the Lingyuan-Pingchuan Road along which there was a steady stream of Chinese reinforcements in an effort to stop the advance on the provincial capital of Changtehfu. ! Japanese planes appeared over Changtehfu, throwing the populace of this once imperial city into a panic. Fortunately no bombs were dropped. Unles a miracle happens the Jehol campaign, which was expected to become a sanguinary and prolo'nged conflict, is likely to end with surprising suddenness. An earlier message stated that the city of Chihfeng had been captured by the Japanese, but there was still some little doubt whether it would be retained by the Japanese. Chinese reports indicate that a terrific bombardment compelled the defending forces to retreat temporarily, following which they launched a counter-attack, driving the weakened Japanese forces some distance from the city. Japanese aircraft played a large part in the attack, subjecting the city to an intense bombardment that demoralised the Chinese.

The Japanese claimed that their advance guard, the Suzuki Brigade, was within striking distance of Lingyuan, but this was regarded as highly improbable; Nevertheless, the Chinese confirm the report that the Japanese entered Yehoposhou, a town 20 miles east of Lingyuan. This town was reported to be in ruins, following an incessant aerial bombardment. ,No fewer than 32 aeroplanes flew eight times over the town, dropping full cargoes of high explosive and incendiary bombs. They also bombarded the surrounded territory, which is heavily timbered, thus offering excellent cover to the Chinese forces.

The extraordinary progress of the Japanese forces is attributed to the huge fleet of motor-trucks employed, which, though finding the passage difficult as the result of the thaw having set in and the ground becoming a quagmire, enable the forces to traverse long stretches rapidly in comparison with marching. GREAT ASIA LEAGUE FORMED. “PROPAGATION OF CULTURE.” Tokio, March 3. The Great Asia League was inaugurated yesterday at Tokio, the gathering including 150 notables—many ex-Minis-ters and civil and military leaders. Tire objects are to propagate Japanese culture and awaken the Asiatic nations. The Manchukuo Government has concluded an important contract for handing over' to the South Manchurian Railway Company the control and management of all the railways throughout the State. The company is assuming settlement of its liabilities and loans from the coordinated revenues, excepting in the meantime the Mukden-Shanhaikwan railway.