JAPAN ISSUES ORDER FOR PEACE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 364, 4 March 1932, Page 1

JAPAN ISSUES ORDER FOR PEACE.

Month’s Hostilities End. THOUSANDS OF CASUALTIES AND HEAVY DAMAGE. United Press Assn.—By 'Klectric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received March 4, 11 a.m.) SHANGHAI, March 3. The Japanese officially ceased firint at 3 o’clock this afternoon. Genera Shirakawa issuing notification to the troops to halt the advance and alsc hostilities unless attacked by the Chinese. Simultaneously Admiral Nomura, Commander of the 3rd Fleet announced the cessation of hostilities the Japanese having achieved theii objective and the Chinese being driver beyond the twenty kilometre zone. An official announcement on thesg lines was issued by the Japanese Consulate.

The news was received with tremendous enthusiasm in the Japanese lines, the soldiers and bluejackets cheering and shouting “ Banzai,” and dancing and waving their arms. The Japanese civilian population and officials are entertaining lavishly and flags are fluttering on Japanese property. The suddenness with which the fighting ended left the peace-making officials considerably in the air. The city breathed a sigh of relief over the cessation of hostilities. The month’s war has cost thousands in killed and wounded and enormous loss to Chinese and foreign property.

The outcome of the Round-Tab 1 e Conference depends on whether the Japanese will undertake the withdrawal of their troops from the Shanghai area.

A Tokio message released here states that the withdrawal of the Japanese troops will take place in three stages. In the meantime the Japanese forces will continue to maintain peace and order where they are situated. The Shanghai Municipal Police have resumed duty in the city.

It is semi-officially reported that the Round Table Conference will consist of the Japanese Minister. Shigematsu, Admiral Nomura. Major-General Tashiro. and Mr Matsuoka, a wellknown Japanese. China will be represented by Dr Wellington Koo, the former Ambassador to London, and Mr Quotaichi, former Commissioner of Foreign Affairs in Shanghai. British, French, American and Italian Ministers will also participate.