CHINESE TURMOIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1928, Page 3

CHINESE TURMOIL.

Australian Press Assn.— United Service

CHINESE TURMOIL,

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) SHANGHAI, May 17

Northerners are in action with Fengyuhsiang and Shansi troops in the neighbourhood of Wangatu. The Pe-king-JTankow line was opened yesterday and there is reported to lie developing a major engagement, the decision of which the .Japanese expect within a week. Peking population is panicstricken.

JA PAXKSK STATEM ENTS. (United Service.) (Received this day at 11.0 a m.) TOKIO, May 17. While unconfirmed .Japanese military reports from Mukden state Changtsolin lias left Peking for Tientsin, it is not believed at the War Office here that Chang intends to abandon Peking without a struggle, A high official informed a correspondent that military advices indicate Chang is prepared to make a final struggle to defend Tient-sin-Peking Railway, and if forced to retreat will follow two lines overland northward from Peking and along the railway via Tientsin and Shanlmikwan.

In the meantime, it is emphasised that Japan js fully determined not to tolerate any disruption of the peace in Manchuria and is prepared to despatch any troops necessary, even to stationing strong contingents at Shanhaikwan, throughput Manchuria and part of .Mongolia. While no Japanese will admit the possibility that imperial political control in Manchuria may become necessary there are growing indications that Japan is prepared for such an eventuality, as it is realised that a crushing defeat of Changlsoliti in the Peking-Tientsin area will be likely to render it impossible for him to maintain Manchurian control and will make an insurrection almost inevitable.

With,a view of preparing for cvenlualitics in Manchuria, the Emperor this afternoon sanctioned the despatch n! a battalion of artillery, a regiment of infantry and an air squadron to I ion-; tsin and the return o! the Toyama Brigade from Tsinan to Manchuria. The treaty rights allow Japan liltceii thousand men in the Manchurian rati way zone, but the War Office stales any number of troops necessary may be sent to other Manchurian points. The Government is shortly issuing a statement to both Peking and Nanking regarding Japanese rights in Manchuria and Mongolia, indicating the serious view taken by Japanese commerce of the China situation.

Seventy representatives of Japanese firms in Korea, Manchuria. China and Siberia, met to-day in Tokio under the auspicies of the Spinners' Association, Chamber of Commerce, and Japanese Business Association, and beard reports preparatory to outlining the business concerns attitude to the Government.