Japanese Armies in Peril

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 25, 22 October 1937, Page 5

Japanese Armies in Peril

-PreaS Adsn.-

FIGHTING IN NORTH China's "Red Napoleon" Strikes at Invaders THREAT TO THE REAR

(Bj Telegraph-

-Copytight. •

(Received 22, 8.45 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 21. The British United Press correspondent at Shanghai states: " Japan 's three main armies in North China- oue threatening Shanai, the others marching southwafd from Tientsin and Peiping are in peril as the result of blows struck by General Cbutes, the 'Red Napoleon,' who is commanding the Communist Army. ' ' While regular forces and guerilla bands have mercilessly -harassed the Japanese flanks, the Red Army has swooped down from the west into the Japanese rear and captured Pinksham, which is 130 miles behind Japan 's most advanced troops on the Peiping-Hankow railway. ' ' Red detachments have also captured Wantu and Youyang, both far behind the lines, and cut off many Japanese units. ' ' This threat 'to the far rear is relieving the Japanese pressure against Shansi^ where the Chinese Mohammedans claim advances. " The British United Press correspondent at Sbanghai states that a regiment of the Red Army made a desperate raid on the Japanese aerodrome at Yangpingpao, in the Shansi province. Troops rushed the hangars and land-ing-field and demolished 24 aeroplanes with hand-grenades. One hundred Chinese were killed. Another detachment of Reds sur'rOunded and wiped out a Japaneso force at Hsinlcow, in Shansi, capturing 160 tanks and 300 armoured cars. A fierce Japanese thrust north of Shanghai failed. Both sides suffored lieavy casualties. The Chinese also repulsed an attack at Chapei, which has becofeie a city of con orete eatacombs and pill-boxea.