ZERO HOUR

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18875, 20 February 1933, Page 7

ZERO HOUR

WAR ALMOST CERTAIN

STUBBORNNESS IN CHINA

SIGNIFICANT PREPARATIONS. “ FACING THE INEVITABLE.” United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. SHANGHAI, Feb. 19. According to Peking messages no internal situation in China since the Boxer Rebellion has been more serious than the impending warfare in Jehol. Thougjh war Is not declared officially, it is certainly war defacto. No longer Is it a difference of opinion between Chinese and Japanese militarists, but real war.

The visit to Peking of the Finance Minister, Dr. T. V. Soong, bis publlo utterances and exhortations to the troops, and the raising of a 20,000,000 dollar loan (£4,000,000) at par for providing supplies for the armies In resisting Japan, Indicate a quiet determination sternly to faoe the inevitable. Peking remains calm but It is realised that a space of only a few days separates North China from disatrous war.

A Chinese official communique reports that the Japanese commander at Tunglias lias delivered an ultimatum to tho Chinese commander at Kailu, in the north-west corner of Jehol, to evacuate the city immediately, or else he attacked. The Chinese have ignored the threat. Meanwhile there are further considerable Japanese troop movements in the vicinity of Ghinehow, whence a throe-way drive Is expected to commence.

Manchurian reports show that Japanese preparations are practically complete, General Mu to merely awaiting the zero hour to launch his advance. Jt Is estimated that 150,000 Chinese, including volunteers, are massed at ■strategic points outside the Great Wall There is every indication of the most stubborn fight in this country history.

CHINA ADAMANT.

PLANS POII RESISTANCE. "NEVER GIVE UP JEHOL." . EVENTUAL VICTORY ASSURED. United Press Assn.—Eloc. Tel. Copyright. PEKIN, Feb. 18. A message from Cliengteh, Jehol Province, states that Dr. T. V. Soong declared to a mass meeting there today:—"On behalf of the Central Government of China I give you a pledge that we will never give up the northeast and we will never give up Jehol." The meeting was attended by high-ly-placed military and civilian leaders. Dr. Soong and others have gone to Jehol to complete plans for resisting the threatened Japanese invasion of the province. "The enemy may blockade our ports and capture Nanking," said Dr. Soong, "but there will bo no one to sign terms of surrender. We can safely rest assured that the eventual victory wHI be ours, but we must steel ourselves io temporary disappointments and adversities. "We must show the world that Jehol, like the three Eastern provinces, is Chinese territory.”

JAPAN’S ATTITUDE. WITHDRAWAL FROM LEAGUE. HOPES OF SETTLEMENT. United Press Assn.—Eloc Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Feb. 19. A message fro.m Tokio states that at a meeting of the Japanese Cabinet yesterday it was decided that Japan shall withdraw from the League of Nations. To-day the Prime Minister, Viscount Saito, will Interview Prince Saionji, the last of the Elder Statesmen, and inform him of the step decided upon. Despatches from Geneva state that the chief Jpanesc delegate, Mr Matsuoka, in a statement said: "I am awaiting oflkial instructions from the Japanese Cabinet. Naturally i cannot accept the report of the Committee of Nineteen, but that does not necessarily mean Japan’s withdrawal from the League. "If the Assembly adopts the report I shall immediately return to Tokio. The situation is so grave that 1 suppose my Government will immediately place the matter before the Privy Council.” The Geneva correspondent of line Sunday Times says Japan has no wisli lo leave (lie League. She is expected lo attempt to secure a last minute compromise, cAen lo waive her point concerning Manrhukuo if Hie Powers admit the autonomy of lhat Stale and allow its ultimate destiny lo be decided by a conference.

The ' Geneva represcnlative or llio British Uuil 'd Press says (lie Japanese delegation lias received dcllniis in si ruel Dims lo reject the report and recommendations of the Committee H .Nineteen. Another telegram from Geneva stales Dial .Mr Matsuoka will announce Japan’s attitude in regard lo Matichukuo nc\| \v A ck, after which probably he will leave Ihe Assembly. K is, reported l-hal Japan's resignation from Hie League is considered to be unlikely,