THE WAR IN CHINA

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17384, 21 April 1928, Page 7

THE WAR IN CHINA

NORTHERN COLLAPSE. RETREAT BECOMES A ROUT. ANXIETY FOR THE MISSIONARIES. ADVANCE OF GENERAL FENG. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) (Received April 21, 12 p.m.) SHANGHAI, April 20. The Northern defence is crumbling and their retreat Is assuming the proportions of a rout with the . Southerners In hot pursuit. General Chang Kaishek’s forces are carrying all. before them on the Shantung front, and have advanced their artillery within range of Tsinan, the capital of Shantung, and they are reported to be shelling the city. Anxiety is felt for the large , mlssi nary population, Including numbers of Canadians and ralians. Southern aeroplanes bombing Tsinan are adding to the confusion of the Northern troops, who are reported to be demoralised as the outcome of the Southerners’ amazingly swift advance. In the event of Tsinan falling and the Southerners crossing the . Yellow River, General Chang Tso-lln will require to throw the entire Manchurian army Into the fighting line in order to save Peking. /i Meanwhile the Christian General Fang Yuhsiang, Is rapidly advancing victoriously from the West and Is expected shortly to link up his forces with Chlang Kaishek. In view of the latest developments, the date of the departure of troops from Japan has been advanced one day. An emergency force of 300 Japanese from Tientsin reached Tsinan to-day. Although a British battalion Isv stationed at Welhaiwei, within easy distance, it is not likely to be despatched to Tsinan as the present disturbance It not of an antiforeign nature.