HOSTILE TROOPS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20492, 10 March 1932, Page 9

HOSTILE TROOPS.

WARNING TO CHINA.

THE MANCHURIAN STATE

(united rnrssaassociation*n —n* elictbic TELEGHAPH— COPYKIOHT.) SHANGHAI, March 8. General Sliirawaka has issued a warning to the Chinese regarding the continued concentration of hostile troops in tho vicinity of the Japauese defences, stating that the digging of trenches and the erecting of defences constitute a threat which the Japanese cannot overlook. If a serious clash occurs, the responsibility will be on the Chinese. Tho Nanking populace is reported to be excited, and many are evacuating the city, owing to reports of the approach of the Japanese and the retirement of the Chinese troops, both of which reports aro discredited. Marshal Chiang Kai-shek has been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Force. The situation in Shanghai is brighter, following the announcement that # Chineso public services arc to be resumed in the devastated areas. Changchun, the new capital of the new Manchurian State of Mancliowkou. is agog with excitement pending the inauguration of the new Executive, the exEmperor of China, Ilsuan Tung, now generally known as Mr Pu Yi. All the preparations aro in the hands of the Japanese. In the meantime, the developments in Manchuria aro again attracting attention. Harbin reports that 61 locomotives have been sent by the Chinese Eastern Railway into Russia, the purpose being unknown. NO COERCION. SIR JOHN SIMON'S VIEW. (Received Slarcli 10th, 12.25 a.m.) LONDON, March 11. "The British Government will not participate in any coercive measures against Japan," Sir John Simon(Foreign Secretary) told the special representative of the "Daily Mail" at Geneva. He added that it was the League's duty to obtain a settlement by mediation not by coercion, which would inevitably leave one of the parties embittered.

DANGER OF CIVIL WAR. JAPANESE TROOPS RETAINED. (Received March 10th, 12.55 a.m.) SHANGHAI, March 9. In spite of General Shirakawa's warning to the Chinese yesterday, he officially indicated to the Press conference to-day that ho did not expect further major hostilities, though the danger of civil war between the Cantonese forces and Marshal Chiang-Kai-shek's troops in the areas around Shanghai was obvious. This necessitated the retaining of considerable Japanese forces along the 20-kilometre boundaries. UNREST AT MUKDEN. WIDESPREAD INCENDIARISM. (Received March 10th, 1.5 a.m.) TOKYO, March 9. There were innumerable simultaneous fires early this morning at Mukden. It is reported that hundreds were arrested, having been caught red-handed. They are said to be adherents of Chang Hsuehliang, and intended to make a demonstration against the inaugural ceremony and investiture of Mr Henry Puyi as executive head of the new State of Manchuria.