MUKDEN OCCUPIED.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 19 December 1925, Page 9

MUKDEN OCCUPIED.

JAPANESE TROOPS MOVE IN. By Gable —Press Association —Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, TOKIO, December 17. General Chang-Tso-Lin’s capital, Mukden, including the arsenals and stores, have been virtually taken oi f er by the Japanese, under.an order,.forbidding the entry of any armed force or any acts of hostility within six miles of the Japanese railway. General Chang-Tso-Lin will be notified to-day that he will not be permitted to return to his own capital unless he returns as'a complete victor. General Kuo, likewise will be notified that he will not be permitted to pursue General Chang-1 so-Lin to Mukden while entry involves possible fighting.

The Japanese action is in pursuance of a request by the Foreign Consuls, which was renewed on Monday, that Japan should protect the Consulates and nationals. • It is officially reported that there has been extensive looting at the Newchang and Yinchow suburbs of Mukden, and Slwnhaiwan, wherein General Chang-Tso-Lin’s irregulars are involved.

Bandit activity is vastly increasing.

The Jananese forces in Manchuria are not likely to reach the 15.000 limit permitted by the Portsmouth Treaty.

STATEMENT BY JAPAN.

HEAVY COST OF. OPERATIONS. By Cable—Pres. Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z Cable Association. TOKIO, December 17. Foreign Office advices from Count Ivcdama state that bandits are taking advantage of the situation, and operating oven in the leased territory. A Government spokesman during the discussion on the Manchurian situation, stated that 800,000 yen are renuired to cover the cost of the troops despatched to Mukden, where, at present, about 3000 are concentrated.

He emphasised the fact i hat these troops are entirelv for police duties, and will be withdrawn as soon as the situation warrants.