FIGHTING CONTINUES IN MANCHURIA

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23281, 17 August 1945, Page 5

FIGHTING CONTINUES IN MANCHURIA

No “Cease Fire” Order From Emperor Red Army Advances By Telegraph —N.Z Press Assn.—Copyright (7.30 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 15. The Russian Chief of Staff (General Antonov), in a statement broadcast by Moscow radio, reports that fighting still continues and will continue until the Japanese actually lay down their arms. The Moscow radio says that General Antonov, explaining the Red Army’s determination to fight on until the Japanese laid down their arms, stated: “The announcement of Japan’s capitulation by the Emperor is only a general declaration of unconditional surrender. The Japanese have not yet issued orders to the armed forces to cease military operations. The forces are continuing to offer resistance. Therefore, in fact, they have not yet capitulated. The capitulation of the armed forces may be considered as taking effect only from the moment the Emperor issues an order to them to cease hostilities, lay down their arms and the order is carried into effect. The Russian forces in the Far East, therefore are continuing offensive operations against Japan.” The Russians to-day continued their advance into Manchuria, meeting stiff resistance from the Japanese. Several more towns have fallen to the two Soviet armies threatening Harbin from the north and west. Gains of up to 30 miles were made. The Red Air Force is hitting the Japanese in the field and at railway junctions