CHINA AND SOVIET

Hokitika Guardian, 16 August 1929, Page 5

CHINA AND SOVIET

THE MANCHURIAN SITUATION

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

SHANGHAI, August 15

Though both Mukden and Tokyo have definitely announced the outbreak of hostilities on the Manchurian border, a later message, front Japanese observers, states that gun firing was continued throughout the day tout no encounter on a large scale occurred, and the firing ceased at nightfall. Earlier messages received at Mukden from the Kirin City Governor reported a serious outbreak of hostilities along the eastern front. Three hundred Soviet marines and some air planes were landed- from Soviet gunboats cn the Sungari River, these oecuping two small towns on the north bank of the river, .while other Soviet troops were occupying the city of Nordun, near ManchuH, on the western front, following on a bombardment and demonstrations.

In addition several minor clashes between Si no-Russian troops are reported on the heights outside Manchuli, thus throwing that city into a panic..

The casualties are uncertain though ■both sides. are reported to have suffered in a clash lasting for six hours.

WAR BREAKS OUT.

CHINESE AND RUSSIANS CLASH.

FIGHTING ON FRONTIER

this day at 9.25 a.m.) SHANGHAI, August 16.

Confirmation is arriving of the recommencement of open warfare between Chinese and Soviet forces in Sungari and Amur river districts, although neither side has formally declared war. The' three Chinese delegates to the Sino-Russian conferences- have been withdrawn, negotiations having (failed. Chinese generals entrusted with the frontier defence are reported to he offering a stern defence, even repulsing the Russians after a prolonged engagement at Chaotsing Chuan, where Chinese gunboats actively participated. Evening newspapers are carrying the headlines “ War At Last.”

Nanking officially confirms that several hours of severe fighting took place at the junction of the Amur and Sun.gari rivers, reinforced Chinese troops forcing the Soviet forces to retreat across the river.

; Reports of fighting in other sections are attributed to White Russian attacks on the Soviet, notwithstanding several urgent messages to Mukden reporting the Soviet invasion of Chinese borders and the resultant grave situation. i.

The National Government is maintaining a comparatively quiet attitude, President Chiang, Kai-shek stating although the situation is tense, the Government is Ifully resolved, neither to change its present attitude nor to permit China’s military.; action to exceed the limit jof defence. ! - Meantime China definitely refuses to restore the status of the Chinese Eastern railway to its-previous status.