CHINESE WAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 October 1924, Page 3

CHINESE WAR.

(“Sydney Sun” Cables)

CHINESE AVAR. REKIN. Oct. 19. The situation at Shanghai is regarded as serious, owing to between I'd teen thousand of well-armed leaderless Chekiang troops having entrenched themselves on the railway a quarter ol a mile from the boundary of the International Settlement. They re I use to surrender on terms olfered by Chi. knowing that he is reluctant to attack, owing to tile proximity of the foreign settlements and his fear that if he defeats them they will sack the Chinese quarter. Chi has olfered them ten dollars each and renatriation to their own provinces if they lay down their arms. CONFLICTING NEWS. BEK IN, October 19. Heavy lighting continues on the Shanliaikwan front. A Pekin official message states that Chang Tso Lin’s forces were driven out he.vond the-Great AYall. A AluUden official telegram, on the other hand, says that Chang 'lso Lin’s troops occupied Shanhaikwaii yesterday.

fighting fierce. (Received this day at 11.2 u a .in.) ■PEKIN. October 19. Five divisous and two brigades sent to Shanlmikwau to drive out the in vading Mukden forces were completely shattered in a series of hat ties which have been raging just south of the great wall for a fortnight. I hose forces are now cut into three parts and are surrounded by the isolated northerners who are determined to annihilate them.

A message from Mukden estimates the enemy casualties are already half the troops engaged. They are unable to reinforce and their munitions are becoming exhausted. The Pekingites are desperately attempting to force a way out. Wu l’eifu who was regarded as invincible, has lied abroad on a cruiser which was driven from Chingwagtao wateis of the licet by a raid by twenty Mukden aeroplanes. Two warships were set afire.

Mukden troops are approaching Jehol, the capture of which will he followed bv the. bombing of Pekin, which i.s within easy flying distance. An experienced eye witness states the fighting .is as fierce as any battles of the great war and wholly dissimilar from the usual Chinese burlesque. ALL DANGER. PAST. PEKIN, October 17. 'l'be Chekiangites are laying dew their arms on the leceipt of twenty dollars apiece and free repatriation to their homes. The foreign authorities believe all danger is now past.