CONCERN IN CHINA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20061, 6 October 1939, Page 7

CONCERN IN CHINA

TROOPS MOVING ' JAPANESE SETBACK CHANGSHA OFFENSIVE HUGE LOSSES CLAIMFD BOTH SIDES SUFFER (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Oct. (i, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 5. In Shanghai it is stated that the gravest concern is felt in Chungking over reports of Soviet troop movements on Monday. Pessimists in the Chinese Government envisage the moves as a possible fait accompli similar to that in Poland. It is pointed out that the bulk of the Sinkiang trade has been diverteo to Russia, and the Soviet influence is increasing. The Hongkong correspondent of tht Associated Press of America says that the Japanese army’s first major offen sive for nearly a year appeared to have resulted in a definite Japanese setback, with heavy losses. Chinese reports, without Japanese denials, declared that the columns which were seen to be advancing on Changsha have been thrown back, and are withdrawing across the Mi River. Chinese military officials attributed the failure to inability of the eastern column to dislodge the Chinese forces blocking the highways north-west of Kiangsi. Conflicting Chinese and Japanese communiques claim enormous losses of men and material in heavy fighting in the Hunan and Kiangsi provinces. Reports estimate the dead at 25.000 upwards on each side. Neutral observers explain that while the battles were undoubtedly vicious, the claims are excessive. They note with interest that last week, when the Japanese were within striking distance of Changsha, the Chinese said they would not waste men 10 save the city because strategically-it vas unimportant. Now the Japanese say they may give up the plan to capture the city, because its military value is nil. A Tokio message says that the Ministry of Communications has ordered for the duration of the war, ail wireless apparatus aboard foreign vessels entering Osaka, Kobe and Yokohama to be sealed.