CHECK IN CHINA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20052, 26 September 1939, Page 5

CHECK IN CHINA

JAPANESE DRIVE CLAIMS BY DEFENDERS BOMBING BY INVADERS RAIDS ON COASTLINE INCIDENT AT TIENTSIN (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 20, 10.20 a.m.) ■ LONDON, Sept. 24. Messages from Shanghai state that the Japanese claim to have advanced down the Canton-Hankow railway within 25 miles of Changsha, the attack on whSch from Nanchang was continued with heavy lighting. Aerial activity i.s reported along 200 miles of the east and west fronts and along 100 miles on the north and south fronts. Simultaneously the peace offensive has been intensified through propaganda supporting a new Government under Wang Ching-Wei.

Chinese and Japanese reports state that it is estimated that 20,000 soldiers were killed in the drive for Changsha. Each claimed that the other’s casualties were 10,000. Big Offensive Prevented

A Changsha message states that the Chinese claim to have prevented the Japanese air, land and naval attacks developing into a large-scale offensive from the Yangt.se. They declare that the Japanese attempt to land troops (10 miles north of Changsha under bombardment by gunboats was repulsed with the destruction of. 30 landing boats and many of the occupants.

A Chungking message says that the Chinese report Japanese planes raided the coastline of the Fukien province south of Foochow, and bombed Fuelling, Pingtien, Putien and Changlo.

A Tientsin message states trim me Japanese fired on 'three sampans attempting to run the blockade to the British Concession in order to avoid being trapped in the receding floodwaters. A British patrol rushed to the concession boundary when the firing was heard. Japanese bullets passed over the heads of the patrol. Tiie British fired one round, whereupon the firing ceased. There were no casualties.