CHINA AND SOVIET

Hokitika Guardian, 20 August 1929, Page 5

CHINA AND SOVIET

BORDER FIGHTING

A SOVIET ENDEAVOUR

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

(Received this day at 10 a.m.) SHANGHAI, August 19,

A determined drive to surround the lYlanclmli garrison resulted in the biggest, clash in the present series of 'frontier skirmishes yesterday.

Soviet troops are .reported to have suffered several hundred killed or wounded were taken prisoners. A military conference which will be called by Marshal Changsuchliang shortly, is expected to produce direct measures to counteract Soviet aggression, and fighting on a large scale can be expected. The present situation in Manchuria is clouded with uncertainty. The heavy firing of field guns and machine guns is :'continually heard on the border, though the nature of the engagement ha's not been ascertained. A number of shells are falling in the city injuring civilians. Mukden reports state Soviet tr r,>, " rlooted and burned two Chinese villages north of Kirin. /

• Observers who recently returned from an inspection of the frontier, express the belief that the Soviet will refrain from a'n official declaration of war- but will connive at belligerent activities in increasing proportions ,until the Mnnchurinn authorities are frightened into submission to a settlement of the railway dispute.

CHINESE STATEMENT

WASHINGTON, August 19

The Minister of War has informed the State Department . that Soviet Russia had violated Chinese territory. He said he did not wish China to be charged. with a violation of the Kellogg Pact, but a mobilisation of troops was necessary to- protect- the border. The exact truth of the situation is not known here but reports seem to be coming more embarrassing to those endeavouring .to assure a peaceful settlement quickly.