JAPAN DETERMINED TO SAVE MANCHURIA FROM WAR’S RAVAGES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18468, 21 May 1928, Page 10

JAPAN DETERMINED TO SAVE MANCHURIA FROM WAR’S RAVAGES.

CHANG REFUSES REQUEST TO RETIRE AT ONCE. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). SHANGHAI, May 19. Japan’s apparent determination to intervene in the civil war in China is creating considerable agitation in foreign diplomatic circles at Pekin. The Japanese statement was presented simultaneously to the three antiNorthem leaders, Feng Yu-hsiang, Chiang Kai-shek and the Shansi Governor, Yen Shi-shan. Declaring Japan’s determination to preserve Manchuria from the ravages of war, it virtually asserts her determination to establish a protectorate in Manchuria, possibly immediately. Japan is evidently willing to permit Chang Tso-lin’s armies to withdraw into Manchuria if they are disciplined, but she will not permit the passage of a defeated and undisciplined rabble. It is understood; that jApan advised Chang Tso-lin to retire'to Manchuria immediately, while his armies are intact. Chang refused flatly. Desultory fighting is proceeding eighty miles south of Pekin, the Northerners offering strong resistance to the Southerners’ advance. Successes are claimed.—Australian Press Association.

JAPAN WILL NCT ALLOW FIGHTING NORTHWARDS OF THE GREAT WALL.

TOKIO, May 19. The Japanese Government, through its Minister at Pekin, having made direct overtures to persuade Marshal Chang Tso-lin to retire to Manchuria, and these efforts failing, the Government has finally decided on measures for the protection of Japanese in North China. Japan is also strengthening her military forces in Manchuria at strategic points, in a determination to prevent the continuation of warfare north of the Great Wall.—Australian Press Association.

U.S. RETAINING HER LIBERTY OF ACTION.

WASHINGTON, May 19. The United States is retaining liberty of action as the Nationalists advance toward Tien-tsin and Pekin. Mr Kellogg, Secretary of State, declared that no requests have been received from either Britain or Japan toward co-operating to protect the Pekin-Tien-tsin railway. He as}ded that the United States is not contemplating fiction. —Australian Press Association.