WATCHFUL WAITING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 47, 25 February 1932, Page 7

WATCHFUL WAITING

A LULL AT SHANGHAI THE JAPANESE FORCES STRENGTH TO BE DOUBLED 'By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) Deceived Feb. 24, 9.20 p.m. SHANGHAI, Feb. 24. At 830 a.m. to-day, with the exception of intermittent machine-gun fire, there was a lull on the Chapei, Kiangwan and Woosung fronts. Each side is watchfully waiting and neither is likely to take the offensive until the weather improves. The ground is sodden after a nightlong downpour. A Tokio message states that Japan has decided to double the strength of the Shanghai army. CONFUSION AT GENEVA UNCERTAINTY OF THE FUTURE BRITAIN NOT TO BE INVOLVED LONDON, Feb. 23. The Sun-Herald says it is clear that Sir John Simon, returned to Geneva with the Cabinet’s latest work that article sixteen must not be nvoked. Britain must not be involved in the war. Sir Granville Eyrie has been ordered to return to Geneva on March 1 to attend the Assembly when the SinoJapanese question will be discussed. He told the Sun-Herald that there was tremendous confusion at Geneva. Nobody knew what was going to happen. ELECTIONS IN JAPAN GOVERNMENT’S VICTORY TOKIO, Feb. 23. The general elections have resulted tn a huge Government majority, the figures ' 'ing:— Seiyukai (Conservatives) 303 Minseito (Opposition) — r - 146 Others BATTLE OF SHANGHAI TO TURN JAPANESE WING ATTEMPT BY CHINESE FAILS (New York Times Broadcast) SHANGHAI, Feb. 23. While the Japanese were engaged in dealing with the offensive at Kiangwan. the Chinese opened fire east from Chapei and succeeded in moving four blocks into the Hong Kew area before Japanese guns and bombs forced the attackers back on Chapei. Shells from Chinese guns started many fires in the International Settlement. The end of the third day of the battle of Shanghai demonstrated clearly that the Japanese would have been defeated except for their mastery of the air, their possession of tanks and their artillery superiority. Except for these mechanical advantages they have been continuously outfought by the Chinese. The present position of the Japanese army would be extremely precarious if faced with an American or European force of the same size and even with the same meagre equipment of the Chinese forces as at present strung out from Chapei, Kiangwan and Woosung. This is considered the opinion of foreign military observers at Shanghai, some of whom openly express amazement at the strategic and tactical risks being run by General Uyeda’s commanders. Chinese artillery shells last night started the two largest fires experienced within the Settlement and inside the Japanese lines since the ighting began 25 days ago. The flames were fanned bv a high wind, but died down later. There was indication at any moment of new fires from the shells. Jap Lines Pierced The battle yesterday was marked by two fierce coun.er-attacks by the Chinese, which apparently compelled the Japanese to throw in ail their reserves to avert a disaster. In both cases the Japanese lines were pierced by the Chinese, who were repulsed after heavy losses had been inflicted on both sides. The first attack was launched from Kiangwan village, which had been believed to be occupied by only a few hundred men after the outflanking operations by the Japanese on Sunday. The Chinese advanced with amazing dash and vigour, ploughing their way ahead using bombs, hand grenades, machine guns, rifles and even bayonets. For a time the Japanese were forced to retreat to such a. distance that their artillery ceased firing, being uncertain where the line ran and fearful of injuring their own men. Reinforcements were hastily called from the Hong Kew district, while the airplanes joined bombs on the Chinese rear in order to check the arrival of reinforcements for the Chinese. In an hour fresh Japanese troops had arriy I and the Chinese were forced to retire. MAY BE SEEKING PEACE INTERESTING REVELATION (New York Times Broadcast.) TOKIO, Feb. 23. The greatest interest has been unused herjj by the revelation of the lact that Count Makino, Lord Keeper f the Privy Seal, has gone to visit *rince Saionji, only survivor of the Venro, or elder statesmen, w* exercises tremendous influence on the Imperial policy. The meeting indicates that some important development is being considered, and it is a safe deduction from Count Makino’s character and record that he would move only in the direction of peace. AMERICAN ATTITUDE NO BOYCOTT OF JAPAN WASHINGTON, Feb. 2". Mr Moses, an influential Senator, says there is no possibility of the United States declaring an economic boycott against Japan.