WAR IN MANCHURIA.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17877, 25 November 1929, Page 5

WAR IN MANCHURIA.

SOVIET FORCES PRESSES CHINESE EVACUATE MANCHULL JAPANESE AUTHORITIES ANXIOUS. United Press Assn.—Flee. Tel. —Copyrign SHANGHAI, Nov. 22. Although Japanese reports from Mukden announced that it was the intention of the Manchurian authorities to negotiate a settlement with Moscow of the Chinese-Eastern Railway dispute, the independent followers of the Nanking Government have _ continued their pressuie, and the Soviet militai j forces are confined in a precarious position by the Nanking forces. An official statement from Honan declares that the Nationalist Government to-night denied the mediation of Dr. Wellington Koo on behalf of Manchuria; nevertheless a Japanese repoit from Harbin states lhat the Chinese oommandcr has ordered the evacuation of Manchuli, following a heavy bombardment by the Soviet artillery. The Japanese authorities are concerned about the safety of their nationals.

The Chinese report that enormous damage to Manchuli has been inflicted by gunfire. The telegraphs, railway .stations and tracks have been destroyed, but details are lacking of the casualties-

RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE

1000 BURIED ALIVE. TOOK REFUGE IN’ A MINE. United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel.—Copyrlarbi SHANGHAI, Nov- 23. A Japanese correspondent at Harbin, Manchuria, reports that 1000 Chinese civilians and soldiers who took refuge in a coal mine in the Dalainor district from Russian air raiders were buried alive. The bombs dropped by the airmen caused a landslide at (he mouth of the fnine. The activity of the Russian forces at Dalainor has prevented the despatch of relief trains. Following upon the incessant bombardment of Manchuli by the Russians official confirmation of the occupation of that town, also of Chalanor, has been received here at Shanghai. From Chinese sources also it is learned that the Red troops, assisted by Mongols, are in possession of Manchuli. Eye-witnesses say the Russians attacked with tanks and aeroplanes. The attackers completely wrecked the major portion of the town and many residents descended the coal ■mines to escape the bombardment. They all perished when the pumping ■machinery was wrecked by the aerial bombardment.

It is believed that more than 1000 persons w'erc killed in the flooded Manchuli mines in addition to those reported to have been hurled alive in the Dalainor district. In a general Russian attack the Tasgan railway station was destroyed, necessitating the evacuation of the town.

The Chinese main line forces arc being withdrawn to the frontier defences from Hailar to Buchatu, 150 miles distant. They have abandoned all the territory west of the Khiagan Mountains.

Twenty-four military trains are being held in readiness in the event of a further retreat- | ,■

LATER. SOVIET SUCCESSES. CHINESE FORCES DEMORALISED. HORSE, TANK AND PLANE ATTACKS (Received November 25, 10-30 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Nov. 24. It is announced that the Soviet’s threat to occupy Harbin appears to be approaching materialisation within a month, following the reported capture of Hailar, after a serious combined cavalry, tank and aeroplane attack resulting in the complete loss of morale of the Chinese forces, who are retreating rapidly. It is reported that they have suffered 12,000 casualties. The Reds have also captured Muling, the Chinese retreating in disorder.