“FIGHT TO A FINISH”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21185, 4 November 1938, Page 9

“FIGHT TO A FINISH”

CHINA’S REPLY TO JAPAN Offers by Spokesman at Tokio Ruthless War in the Air America Demands Open Door Policy United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 3, 930 pjn.) WASHINGTON, November 3. The Chinese Ambassador (Mr Hushi) called on President Roosevilt to-day, and read to tire President excerpts from Marshal Chiang Kai Shek’s manifesto. Mr Hushi assured President Roosevelt that China was prepared to fight Japan to a finish. OFFER TO CHINA MUST REPUDIATE PAST POLICY” United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 4, 125 ajn.) TOKIO, November 3. A Japanese Foreign Office spokesman said: “If the Chinese Central Government would repudiate its past policy and remould its personnel, Japan would not reject its co-operation in establishing peace and stability in Eastern Asia.” He pointed out that this could be secured by Japan, Manchukuo and China combining in a political, economic and cultural bloc for the establishment of such unity which was fundamental to the aim at present of “unofficial warfare.” The spokesman added that Japan was confident that other Powers would adapt their attitudes to the new conditions in East Asia. War on Reds A Tokio message states that the Japanese Prime Minister (Prince Konoye), in a broadcast speech approved by the Cabinet and Emperor, said that the Kuomintang Government had been reduced to a local regime, Japan would not give up until China, Japan and Manchukuo were jointly anti-Communistic, creating a cultural and economic cohesion throughout Asia. Japan asked China to share in the task and even the Kuomintang's participation would not be spurned if it amended its policy and remoulded its personnel. DEMAND FOR OPEN DOOR AMERICA STANDS FIRM United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 3, 9.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, November 3. The Washington correspondent ot "The New York Times” says: The Japanese declaration of an Asiatic bloc is accepted with reserve. Mr Cordell Hull (Secretary of State) declined to comment on the statement. Indicating that he preferred to wait a reply to the United States Note. Diplomatic circles, however, tended to regard the pronouncement as one designed primarily for home consumption, by serving as a cushion for the announcement of a bond issue and a yearning that the nation must tighten its belt to make further efforts for the war with China. There is no sign that the United States is being deflected from her purpose. She stands by an open door policy and insists on respect for American rights. Protest Issued Mr Grew (United States Ambassador in Tokio) informed the State Department that he had made strong representations to the Japanese Government regarding the bombing of the Lutheran Brethren Mission at Tungpen in which the infant daughter of an American missionary was killed. RUTHLESS AERIAL WARFARE JAPANS TERRORIST TACTICS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, November 2. Tire Hongkong correspondent of “’Hie Daily Telegraph” states that wave after wave of Japanese bombers almost destroyed Nanchang, killing 870 and wounding 1000. Hundreds of buildings including the famous Pagoda of Gildehall, were destroyed and fires are raging throughout the city. As a result of evacuation the population has been reduced from 1,000,000 to 50,000. Landing Denied A Shanghai message reports that a Japanese naval spokesman has denied that there was a landing near Foochow on Wednesday. It is reported from Chunking that the Japanese are driving southwards against Nanchang, the capital of Kiangsi Province and eastward from the Yangtse. The Chinese have recaptured Langkan and are threatening Yangsln. "ABSOLUTELY TRUE” JAPANESE ATROCITIES IN CHINA United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright VANCOUVER, November 2. Freda Utley, an English writer, who is barred from Japan, has returned from the Orient. She declares that Japan is using poison gas, and the “stories concerning Japanese atrocities are absolutely true.” She said that, given sufficient munitions by Great Britain, the United States and others, China would ultimately win the war. The Chinese were fighting under horrible conditions, and were hampered by disease and lack of medical care for the wounded. Malaria was the real cause of the Hankow debacle.