Attack on Chinese Left Flank

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 44, 15 November 1937, Page 5

Attack on Chinese Left Flank

-Preas A san.-

japan's next step Aerial Bombing of Soochow Indicated WARNING TO RESIDENTS

(By Telegrapb-

-Copyrlght.)

(Eeceived 15, 8.25 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Nov. 13. An indication that the next Japanese offensive will aim at smashing the Chinese left flank between Kiating and Liuho •vvas contained in a leaflet warning dropped from the air for residents of Soochow, China 's Veni'ee, to evacuate the place by midnight. From this it is feared the Japanese intend a mass bombing of the rather unapproachable city. The American Ambassador has requested the Japanese to observe a safety zcnet including a hospital containing at least 20,000 Chinese wounded.. Sandbags are already disappearing from Shanghai buildings now that the fighting has passed on. For the first timo for three months the city is tranquil. The" Chinese army is already 35 miles distant. The Domei News Agency at Tokio reports that 100,000 Chinese troops are trapped in the Japanese pincers at Chaoehungchiao, south of Soochow Creek. The Japanese have reaehed Kashing, 50 miles south-east of Shanghai. The next stage of the drama will have Nanking as the background, The Domei Agency further statea that, f earing serious epidemics after the fighting in North China, the Foreign Offiee has dispatched a medical mission to investigate conditions an.d decide preventive measures. It is reported from Shanghai that the Japanese line extends 62 miles from Liuho, via Siahoehiao, to Kashan. luternational Eed Cross members estimate the Chinese losses" at 150,000 killed and 150,000 wounded. The remaining Chinese uni.ts isolated at Nantao escaped or .werb annihilated after the Japanese took control of Shanghai, while 5000 Chinese were interned in the French Concession. The Japanese, heavily reinforced and close on the heels of the retreating armies, have eaptured the important strategic point, Kiating, driving the Chinese .defenders from the TarsangKiunsham line. Huge fires are xaging at Nautao. Many Chinese officials are proceeding to Hongkong from Shanghai and numerous business administrations have been transferred to Nanking. Chinese -reports state that 80 Japanese transports with 50,000 troops aboard are standing by off Woosung in readiness to complete the occupation of the entire Shanghai area.