40 PLANES DOWNED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 185, 23 August 1937, Page 5

40 PLANES DOWNED

-Pre«B Aiioclatlon.)

Chinese Claim Heavy Toli of Raiders SUCCESS AT SHANGHAI

(By- Telegtttph-

WELLINGTON, This Day. The following telegram was received by the Chinese consul from Nanking yesterday "Fantastic rumours have been circulated by Japanese sources alleging a mutiny in Nanking, disorder among Govermnent leaders and the detention of General Pai Cliung-si. Such statements are absolutely witliout foundation. The Governmenb leaders are unaniniously determined resist aggression, and excellent morale has been exliibited by all the fighting services as well as the entire populace. "Chinese airmen have acliieved the distinguished record of downing already 40 Japanese planes, and are coutinuing to take heavy toll of Japanese raiders. "The Japanese left flank on the Shanghai front has been seriousJy crippled by the Chinese occupation of the wayside wharf, which is now confirmed. The Chinese forces eontinue to press in on. the Japanese right flank, which is practically cornered. "Two Japanese planes raiding the Nanking-Wuhu railway were shot down at Kiangning. Twenty Japanese planes attempted to raid Nanking at dawn today, and during an air battle two raiders were downed, one at Tungtai and another at Yangcliow, while two Chinese machines were slightly damaged. "Eifty-odd Japanese transports have arrived at Taku, bringing infantry, cavalry, artillery and military supplies from Shankaikwan. It is estimated that Japanese troops in North China now total 100,000. "The Cliinese forces at Shanghai are consolidating tlieir positions in the eastern section of the International settiement. Baikai and East Seward roads, running parallel to the river l'ront, are now under complete Chinese control. Three Japanese planes were shot down to-day ut Shanghai and clsewliorc."