CHINESE TURMOIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1928, Page 3

CHINESE TURMOIL.

Australian Press Assn.—United .Service

CHINESE WAR. • SHANGHAI, May 15,

Later reports indicate that the Fengtieii (Northern) troops are, already preparing' to retreat into .Manchuria. There are guns and troops now passing through Peking and Tientsin i:i sufficient quantities to indicate such a withdrawal lias commenced.

Japanese reports slate that the Feiigtien forces, however, are preparing three lines of defence against tlm advance of the Nationalist forces.

The Shansi forces, under General Tenshisislian are unlikely to avail, owing to the determined Southern movements against Tientsin, which, il .successful, will cut the main line of the Feiigtien army’s retreat, thus forcing a movement by them by way ol Kalgau.

The report: of a general attack by the Japanese forces in Shantung is not regarded seriously by the local Chinese circles.

FIGHT FOR TIENTSIN. SYDNEY, May 16

Foreign garrisons at Tientsin are speeding defence work and they expect completion to morrow.

Motor cycle cavalry patrols are already operating on the outskirts. Japanese volunteers are mobilised. The Northerners apparently intend to make a stand at Alnehang, thirty miles from Tientsin. Though foreign observers are considering a demobilisation the Northerners do not anticipate a teal effective holding position.

NOB Til ERXER S EY ACU ATTNG 'Received this dav at 10.15 ft.mA SHANGHAI. May 16.

Northern military and civilians ere steadily evacuating Tientsin and Peking in oxpectnlon of the Southerners "arrival. All reports point to Changtsoliii quitting and retiring to Manchuria and not attempting to hold the Not thorn capital, with a result that, the foreign military commanders have ordered the erection of barricades at the foreign concessions in Tientsin to prevent a possible repetition of the Tsinnnfu incident. Northern armies are on the verge of collapse, and the behaviour of the leaders is encouraging the desertion of thousands who are pawning their uniforms and otherwise destroying evidence of service in the Northern

armies. , A majority of officers are imitating Changtsoliii in despatching families and possessions to the sole remaining refuge from the Southerners—Manchuria. ~ ■. \n astonishing feature ol the situation is that the much punted armies of the Northern Changtsoliii. are retreating and not firing a shot. The only shots the Southerners have exchanged «e w > Japanese troops m Ismanfu. The rest have been bloodless victories.