CHINA’S POSITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1924, Page 2

CHINA’S POSITION.

[Reuters Telegrams.]

SOVIET-CHINA COUP. PEKING, October 10. A communique issued this evening claims a victory on Shankaikwan front, the Kengtien troops retreating. It is learnt aulhorativcly that the Japanese Government knew nothing about the Soviet- Mukden agreement until after it bad been signed, its terms coming as a complete surprise. AA'liile no official .statement can yet be made concerning the matter, the Japanese eon sidcr the Soviet coup de main relating in Chinese Eastern Hail way introduces an entirely now situation, giving Hussians complete control of commercial affairs of the railway, and the whole situation requires careful consideration on the part of Japan. Ineidently the agreement seems to have seriously shaken the Chinese Government's confidence in the Soviet Ambassador, while Changtsolin s pint in the affair lias come as a welcome surprise to the Japanese. CHANG’S HIG AY IN. PEKIN. October 10. Confused dispatches from Shanhaikwan indicate that the main battle for the control of China was joined, with heavy lighting, yesterday. It resulted in the capture of the city of Chihfing by Chang Tso l.in’s forces, this is the most important Mukden victory to dale. The Mukden Army’s line now runs from Sbanliaikivati north-west for 00 miles to Chiiing, thus giving Chang Tso Lin a firm grip on the occupied Chili territory, where be is popular. The victor’s acts are heretofore unknown ill Chinese warfare. The Mukden headquarters denies the use of gas on any front, claiming that they are lighting under civilised rules; but it, is known that wire entanglements at Shanhaikwan were electrified.