SITUATION IN CHINA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19867, 15 June 1927, Page 9

SITUATION IN CHINA

THE SOUTHERN ADVANCE MILITARY MOVEMENTS REVIEWED. (By Radio). RUGBY, June 13. In the House of Commons, reviewing the military situation in China/ Commander Locker Lampson said that Latest reports showed that the Northern forces, about 180,000 strong, were holding the line from Lin Chung on the Tientsin-Pukow Line, thence to the bend of the Yellow River northeast of Kai Feng, continuing along the north, bank of the Yellow River to north-west of Chingchow, with a defensive west flank on the PekingHankow railway.

The Southerners are in touch with the Northerners in most places, and are reorganising their forces on the Lung Hai Line for a further advance. The strength of their combined armies is roughly 130,000. Fengtien troops are receiving reinforcements from Manchuria, and appear to be in good morale. The Shantung troops aro deserting plentifully to the, enemy, and the Tientsin-Pukow Line remains the weak spot. The defence of Shantung now rests on a few hundred Russians who are concentrated on the Southern border.

The Nationalists are advancing slowly from the south, but a more more rapid advance is reported from the west, converging on Yenchow. At the same time it is reported that negotiations are going on between the North and South, but the question in this respect is doubtful. Kiukiang has been occupied by troops owing allegiance to General Chiang Kai Shek, and his forces have now advanced above that town.