WAR IN CHINA

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 8 May 1928, Page 6

WAR IN CHINA

JAPANESE AGGRESSIVE. (Per Press Association—Copyright) TOKIO, May 6. An official message from Tsinanfu announces that the Japanese there wifi drop the defensive, and assume the aggressive from Monday, carrying out reprisals against the Nationalists. The third Nagoya division, on seven transports, will leave for Tsingtao in a few days. The despatch is only awaiting formal Cabinet sanction, which is due on Monday. The Division includes an infantry brigade, a heavy artillery brigade, an anti-aircraft regiment, and three air squadrons. With the Sixth Division" now in Shantung, there will be an organised army corps for the occupation of the Province. TOKIO, May 6.

War Office advices indicate that under three hundred Japanese have been killed in the Tsinan district. Communications have not yet been restored. The railway was again interrupted by Southerners after the passage of the relief forces from Tsingtau. Cabinet is sitting to consider the action for the despatch of a further 15,000 troops for the protection of Shantung residents, to restore railway, and guard communications. SYSTEMATICAL LOOTING. SHANGHAI. May 6. A message from Tsinanfu states that all Japanese and other foreign residences have been systematically looted amid gruesome scenes, except in the central commercial quarter, which has been defended by Japanese troops. Many women have been massacred, aud the corpses show signs of brutal treatment. The Nankin outrages of a year ago are nothing in comparison. The Japanese military casualties are officially reported at 10 killed and 38 wounded. A message to the American consulate reports that all British and American missionaries are safe.

Japanese troops and residents in their care concentrated in the central commercial quarter, which has been reduced to a state of siege, awaiting relief reinforcements marching from Tsingtao, <qi the arrival of whom it is expected hostilities will again start. The Southerners appear absolutely beyond control, and have even attacked Japanese officers proceeding through Tsinanfu in automobiles, to negotiate with the Chinese authorities. These officers were dragged from the car, tied with ropes, robbed and were only saved from execution bv the arrival of General Chiang-Kai-Shek’s staff officers. A STORMY SESSION. TOKIO. May 7. Ihe stormiest session in history closes to-day. Baron Tanaka's Cabinet is continuing in office, but Baron Suzuki’s resignation effectively prevented a noconfidence motion being carried. T’.ie Diet reassembles in December for 3 regular session.