WAR IN CHINA

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 26 September 1924, Page 7

WAR IN CHINA

CHANG CONFIDENT. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. Received Sept. 26, 11.50 a.m. . PEKIN, Sept. 25. two important victories ' are announced in a .communique issued by Chang Tso Lin—the capture of Chaoyang north railway and the town of Kinchow in Chihli, with the loss of 600 killed and 400 prisoners, six guns, eight machine guns, and 1000 rifles. The victorious Maiichus are advancing towards Ligyuan. Unofficial trustworth3 r reports state that Chang’s forces have taken Kailu, the Chihli troops suffering . heavily. The total Mukden forces number’ 190,000, and the3’ are well equipped-and well paid. Foreign critics say that the field organisation surpasses the staff, and if the latter proves equal to the task Chang, with the initial victories to his credit, should, overcome anything Wu Pei Fu can put into the field. There have already been many desertions from the Cliilhi armv T , and it is reported doubtful whether Chang will he able to cope with Pekin bribing generals, which is usuall3 r a feature of factional wars in China. Chang is confident, and says he hopes to entertain in Pekin shortly. He is'credited with having a force of 50 aeroplanes and many skilled foreign idiots, which were ordered to bomb the Presidential palace.—Sydney Sun Cables. BOMBING OF TOWNS AND CITIES. I PROTEST BY DIPLOMATIC BODY. Received Sept. 26, 11.5 a.m. PEKIN, Sept. 25. After a meeting of the diplomatic bpdy (not including Kara Khan) the following memorandum was sent to Wai Chiao Pu and Chang Tso Lin this afternoon by Oudendiik: “The outbreak of hostilities in China makes it probable that the commanders of the various military forces will make extensive use of aircraft in the conduct of campaigns. The heads of legations fit Peking, although resolved not to interfere in any way in this regrettable conflict, nevertheless deem it necessary to point out to Your Excellency that the3 T view with the gravest concern this Weapon against other objectives than military forces in the field, fortified places, or naval units. Dropping oombs from aeroplanes on undefended towns is not only an act of wanton destruction, but a. crime against the peaceful population. In the city of Pekin not only are situated the 'legations of friendly Powers, but its walls enclose numerous palaces, temples, and other historical buildings, which are rigthly considered monuments of great value in the history of the civilisation of mankind. Dropping bombs from' aeroplanes on_ towns and villages can Have no .possible military value, but can only cause untold misery and suffering to numbers of inoffeiisive noncombatants, and cause the destruction of priceless monuments! Moreover, the lives and properties iof foreign nationals who are taking no part whatsoever in the actual conflict will be endangered. For these reasons the Heads of legations feel it their duty to Piake this appeal to Your Excellency, and whilst giving expression, to their satisfaction that 3 r oiir intention was made known to afford full protection of the lives and properties of foreigners.' trusty that no air attacks will he made endangering the lives of their nationals. Should, however, foreign lives be lost or property destroyed as a result of ah attack by aei oplanes on the capital or any treaty port, they would feel obliged to. hold strictly responsible the authority Who ordered the attack.—Reuter.