CHINA AND JAPAN

Wairarapa Daily Times, 27 January 1932, Page 5

CHINA AND JAPAN

MANCHURIAN CRISIS JAPANESE TROOPS RECALLED. Press Association Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wednesday, 8.30 a.m.) TOKYO, Tuesday. The army is planning more extensive uso of aeroplanes for the dispersal of the bandits remaining in Manchuria. The field artillery, which was attached to the guards, and a division have been recalled in consequence of the withdrawal of the Chinese regulars. DRASTIC MEASURES. (Received Wednesday, 10.20 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Tuesday. Consul-General Murai to-day received definite instructions from the Tokio Foreign Office regarding the action to be taken in the present graye situation at Shanghai. Although details are not published, it is reliably predicted that drastic measures, including the occupation of Chinese territory, will be undertaken.

The failure of the Chinese authorities to reply to the Japanese demands lias exhausted the patience of Tokio, and it is now reported that a 48-hour ultimatum has been delivered to Mayor Wu. Brigadier-General Fleming, commanding the British forces at Shanghai, lias been requested by the Shanghai municipal authorities to take the necessary defence measures for protection of the international settlement, in collaboration with the French, American and Italian forces.

The Chinese authorities continue their military preparations in the surrounding areas. Trenches are being dug across the roads and barricades, erected. The railway stations and official buildings are presenting the appearance of veritable fortresses, as additional troops are concentrating upon these points. The local Chinese garrison commander asserted: —“Manchuria was occupied without a fight, but the Japanese will know they have been fighting before they capture my territory.”

It is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 Chinees troops in the Shanghai area. The Japanese forces are being strengthened with the despatch of the first torpedo flotilla from Sasebo, consisting of one cruiser and twelve other vessels.