WAR FLAMES IN FAR EAST.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18352, 24 August 1929, Page 17

WAR FLAMES IN FAR EAST.

Both Sides Discard Bluff. STERN STRUGGLE BEGINS. (United Press Aasociation—By Eleetr'e Telegraph—Copyright.) SHANGHAI, August 22. To-day’s war reports reveal an apparently Increasing desire by both China and Russia to discard bluff and start real fighting. The Russians launched their third offensive in three days at Chalanor, and inflicted minor casualties. A Soviet bomber was brought down by Chinese anti-aircraft guns. A village north of Kirin was raided, and a number of wealthy merchants kidnapped. The Russian objective is believed to be Harbin. A British naval wireless message received in Hongkong states that reports have been received of severe fighting between Chinese and Russian troops, although the point of conflict was not mentioned. Presumably this refers to the fierce engagements in the vicinity of Manchouli, yesterday morning. It was estimated that 300 Chinese were killed and that there were many casualties among the Russians also. The Chinese commander in a report to Mukden states that the Soviet forces are making strenuous efforts to capture Manchouli. REPORTED SOVIET ACTIVITIES. INVASION OF MANCHURIA. (United Press Association—By Electrie Tel etf raph—Copyright. 1 SHANGHAI, August 22. It is reported that 4000 Russians have invaded Manchuria, and are moving northward to Lake Hengkai, where they have occupied the important town of Misham. The Chinese garrisoned there immediately withdrew, and 90 per cent, of the Chinese civil population along the bolder have fled.