ATLANTIC FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1929, Page 5

ATLANTIC FLIGHT

. - FRENCH TURN BACK. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). , PARIS, July 16. The airman Costes expresses the opinion that the east-to-west trans-At-lantic flight is almost impossible. Costes describes a dramatic moment when he and his companion took counsel in mid-ocean, concerning their chances, and says that they decided to turn back after fifteen hours’ flying They discovered, after leaving the coast, j that their actual progress in the face of the strong air currents was only three-quarters of that on which theirflight-had been calculated, and that,, while their fuel consumption increased, their spreed decreased. Costes .declares that in order to fly from Paris to/New York, a plane must have .wind and weather conditions such as are almost exceptional. While the crossing.may be achieved as a, purely sporting attempt it holds out little hope of ever being of any practical use until floating islands afford the chance of refuelling.

Despite this gloomy view, however, Costes announces his intention of making another attempt. ,

PREPARING FOR EVENTUALITIES RUSHING OUT TROOPS. CHINESE MOBILISING. (Received this day at 10.30. a.m.) SHANGHAI, July 16. A Manchuria dispatch indicates considerable activity on the part of Chinese, who are reported to be rushing well equipped troops to strategic parts on the frontier' .< ■ Official advices report that Mukden has been ordered lb)’ Nanking to mobilise a hundred thousand troops, also a considerable movement of Soviet troops on the Siberian railway.

It is also reported that four Russian divisions, equipped with modern weapons, poison gas units, and aviation corps, have been stationed at Vladivostock and Blagestovensik, while fifty to sixty thousand Chinese troops are encamped on the Sino-Russian border, in addition to - two hundred thousand, which are mobilising in Northern Manchuria. Chinese authorities are continuing to deport Soviet railway officials. Business is at a standstill at Harbin. Nanking is sending a .pacific reply to Russia expressing willingness to negotiate affairs, providing the agreement of 1924 is faithfully carried out, and a willingness to release Russian prisoners, providing Russia releases Chinese prisoners numbering a thousand. This will aver that the SinoRMssian friendship is still firm as long as Russia abstains from Communist propaganda. Meanwhile, latest advices state that both sides are moving troops to the frontier. It is alleged Soviet forces have already entered Western Manchuria. THE RUSSIAN NOTE. EXTENSION OF TIME REQUESTED. * (SHANGHAI, July 16. The Chinese Charge d’ Affairs at Moscow, has requested the extension of three days, the period fixed to reply to the Russian Note. The guard at the Chinese Embassy has been strengthened. ,