CLASHES BEGIN

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22689, 17 August 1945, Page 3

CLASHES BEGIN

DISPUTEJN CHIN/ COMMUNISTS’ DEFIANCE NO REPLY TO INVITATIOf (Unlt.il Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. copyright (Received Aug. 17, 11 a.m.) CHUNGKING, Aug. 16 Clashes have already taken plac between Communist forces in North west China and Central Govemmet troops following the Communiata’ rl jection of the Government’s ordei not to march against JapaneM occupied centres in North China. There has been no reply 1 Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek's ir vitation to General Mao Tzetun, commander of the Communist arxnfc in North-west China, to confer in mediately in Chungking, apparent! in an effort to avoid the mountia danger of civil war. Chiang’s message was as follow*:“We have many international an internal problems awaiting settli ment. These involve the nation! welfare. Please do not delay con ing.” Step to Avoid Conflict A Government spokesman earlli said Chinese troops would take pa in the occupation of Japan, also thi steps had been taken to ensure tl surrender of the Japanese troops ] China only to accredited Allied « presen tatives. The latter action is regarded Government circles as an effort ! avoid an open civil conflict. The spokesman asserted thi Chungking intended to re-establil its authority as soon a 6 possible In t important cities, but no details cou yet be revealed. The Chungking radio said Genera issimo Chiang had sent a message General Yosuji Okamura, command of the Japanese forces in China, d recting him to cease operations ir mediately and await instructioi from General Ho Ying-chin, China military Chief of Staff. Allowed to Retain Anna Chiang said the Japanese would I permitted temporarily to retain ths arms and equipment for the mab tenance of public order. Fear h been expressed in Chungking that t Japanese might hand their arm* the Communists. The reports of Communist advano against key JapaYiese-occupied citl north of the Yellow River came fro independent sources. The Commun ists' key objectives are reported to i elude Peking, Tientsin and Tsingta< Unconfirmed reports said pr Chiang underground forces had a ready seized control of Shanghai ai were holding it for the arrival national troops; also that era American-trained and equipp veterans of the Chinese Sixth Arr at central bases in South China wi I ready to board air transports 1 Shanghai on Chiang's orders. Pro-Government circles said th believed the Communists not or aimed at seizing Japanese suppli but at the indoctrination of Japan, prisoners falling into their hani with the intention of using them civil war should develop. Question of Signatory The Commander-in-Chief of t Chinese Communist 18tn An Group sent a memorandum to B tish, United States and Soviet Al bassadors in Chungking in which challenged Generalissimo Chi« Kai-shek’s right to be China’s I presentative at the acceptance of t Japanese surrender. The Chinese Central Governm. spokesman in Chungking said an one who ignored the orders of I generalissimo would be regarded a common enemy of the people. It Is officially announced at Bu< ingham Palace that the King dest that next Sunday should be obsen as a day of national thanksgiving