CHINA AND JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 20 November 1931, Page 5

CHINA AND JAPAN

the jap offensive.

A HEAVY BOMBARDMENT.

(United Press Association.—By Electric

Telegraph.—Co >yriglit.)

SHANGHAI, November 19

The Japanese, in capturing Tsitsihar, acted entirely under the authority of a free hand from Tokyo. 'Hie casualties are not stated, though the Japanese used bombing planes and artillery extensively, whereas the Chinese were poorly equipped. '■' The Japanese' were compelled to take decisive action, owing to the severity of the winter and to their exposed positions, to which conditions the Japanese are not .accustomed. There is no information whatever as to whether any damage was done to Tsitsihar, where the line crosses the Eastern Chinese Railway.

CHINESE DEFEAT. TOKIO, November 19. The Japanese made a counter attack, in which they were successful, at Tsitsihar, which was occupied a-t eight o'clock last (Wednesday) night. General Machangshan’s Chinese troops were driven out. • JAPANIS DEMANDS. LONDON, November 18. Another day's incessant discussion, including two meetings of the League (Council, did not make any advance towards a Manchurian settlement in the slightest degree. Indeed the Chinese delegate, Mr Sze, declares that the situation is more serious than ever, owing to the action of the Japanese bombing Tsitsihar, and to their advance. Moreover, he says, the fact that the Japanese are now astride of the Chinese Railway, whereby they have entered what is regarded as the Russian sphere of influence, is causing speculation as to what will be Russia’s action, in view of the Soviet’s note of November 15th.

It is notable that Russia, as a nonmernber of the League of Nations, will not participate in its official deliberations, but the Soviet Ambassador at Paris lias shared in some of the unofficial parleys. The League Council’s meetings have further been complicated by the insistence of Mr Sze and also Mr Yosh’izawa (Japanese Delegate) on speaking in their own languages, thus necessitating lengthy interpretations into English and French.

The points which have most clearly emerged include the fact that Japan does not want a new Treaty confirming the oid Treaties, because it would imply previous doubts as to their validity ; but she wants the Chinese to give an undertaking recognising the validity of the old treaties, and also to promise loyal Observance of those treaties. Japan states she is prepared (to accept a Mixed Inquiry Commission, under the auspices of the League, if Japan’s fivq points are first conceded ; but it is doubtful if either China, or the League is. agreeable to this. Mr Sze (Chinese Delegate) has circulated a communication condemning the so-called kidnapping of the -ex-Em-peror Puyi (of Manchuria) with the view of establishing him at 'Mukden. He added that China- would regard Puyi’s bogus Government as a seditious one. , LONDON. November 18. Consideration of the Manchurian situation was continued privately this morning 'by the members of the League of Nations’ Council at Paris. At present the date of the next public session of the 'Council has not been fixed. , BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER. LONDON, November 19. Sir John Simon (Foreign .Secretary) is returning to London to attend an important Cabinet meeting fixed for Friday, and in his absence Lord Cecil will represent. Britain on the League of Nations’ Council. If necessary, Sir John 'Simon may return to Paris later. THE KILLED AND WOUNDF.I), SHANGHAI, November 19. Unconfirmed estimates of the Tsitsihar engagement place the Japanese losses at 300 killed and wounded, and the Chinese at 300 killed, and 2,900 wounded, It is believed that Chang Hsue HBang’s troops are preparing for a descent upon (Hsinminfu and on the Peking-Mukden railway. NEWSPAPER’S EXPRESSION. LONDON, November 19. The "News Chronicle’’ in 'an editorial declares that Japan’s attitude, which is td settle the Manchurian issue by the sword, wii'l mean that the Leagues power to preserve peace and enforce a respect for international rights will be negligible. It is impossible to have one eode, f toi Japan and another for Germany.