JAPAN AND CHINA

Wairarapa Daily Times, 25 January 1932, Page 5

JAPAN AND CHINA

GRAVE T6NSION

CHINESE UNDECIDED.

Press Association Electric Telegraph Copyright SHANGHAI Sunday.

An atmosphere of tho gravest tension prevails hero to-day, as the Japanese are making preparations.to occupy the native districts, failing a satisfactory reply to their demands from the Chinese.

The arrival of additional warships, the landing of marines and general military activity in the wayside districts indicate that tho Japanese are determined on a policy of force to obtain redress for recent anti-Nippon-ese activities and attacks on their nationals. The Japanese naval commander here unhesitatingly stated that armed forces would occupy the surrounding native districts, the arsenal and the Government buildings, and retain possession of them until satisfaction was obtained.

The British and French military authorities are watching the situation with anxiety.

Tho Nanking Government is undecided what to do. A declaration of war is considered impracticable owing to lack of sufficient armed forces. A decision is expected momentarily. It is believed to be along the lines that the Chinese are prepared to punish those responsible for the attack on Japanese priests, but are unable to agree to the dissolution of anti-Japanese associations. It is regarded as certain that the reply will ho unsatisfactory, compelling the Japanese to resort to force. ARSENAL EXPLOSION. CHINESE KILLED. SHANGHAI, Sunday. There was a violent explosion in the vicinity of the Chinese Arsenal this afternoon. The roar was heard for miles, and there was widespread window damage throughout Shanghai. Between thirty and forty Chinese were killed. The incident is adding considerably to the tenseness of the prevailing situation. It appears that the Chinese were transferring explosives from a magazine to lighters in consequence of the Japanese invasion when the explosion occurred.