JAPANESE WAR IN ORIENT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20894, 25 November 1937, Page 7

JAPANESE WAR IN ORIENT

CHINESE DEFENCE OF NANKIN RIGHTS OF FOREIGNERS IN ORIENT United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright TOKIO, November 23. The Japanese Government is seriously studying the question of making a declaration of war against China. ATTITUDE TO FOREIGN POWERS TENSE SITUATION DEVELOPING United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 24, 5.5 p.m.) SHANGHAI, November 23. Japan has notified the Powers regarding her intentions regarding the International Settlement and police, of which she gave unofficial advice leading to the cessation of five leading Chinese newspapers and the official Chinese News Agency. The French Foreign Office admits that Japan has sent a Note to Great Britain and France regarding the International Settlement. The contents of the Note have not been revealed. The International Municipal Council at Shanghai has agreed to carry out the demands of the Japanese regarding the rights that the Chinese formerly exercised in the International Settlement. The Council’s spokesman said that the Japanese are entitled to prevent the Settlement from being used politically on behalf of the Chinese Government. A further Shanghai message states that negotiations are proceeding smoothly for transferring to Japan the Chinese administrative machinery of the International Settlement, including the Customs and the Post Office.

DEFENCE OF NANKIN CHINESE FORCES GATHERING United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright SHANGHAI, November 23. The Chinese are rushing strong reinforcements to Wushlng, from which the civil population has already fled. A major battle Is imminent, and a desperate effort will be made by the Chinese to stem the advance on Nankin. A Japanese spokesman has admitted that the reported fall of Wushi— China’s Manchester—was premature. Their forces are still five miles from the town. The Japanese have begun a heavy bombardment across the Yellow River near Tsinan. They set fire to the Hungtal station and caused a panic among the Tsinan residents. General Tang Seng Chi, in ch-rge of the defences of Nankin, has as- ' sumed full responsibility for the safety of foreign life and property, "even in this hour of extreme danger.” Demand for Surrender An aerial Japanese message to Marshal Chiang Kai-Shek demanding the surrender of the capital has been delivered, but will not be answered. Proposals of an international commission consisting of 15 English, American, German and Danish members for the neutralisation of a portion of Nankin are to be submitted to the Japanese Consul-General at Shanghai. It Includes the establishment of a zone in the north-west area of the Walled City, secure from Chinese defensive works, Chinese entry, or Japanese attack.