WAR IN THE EAST

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1932, Page 6

WAR IN THE EAST

JAPS STEADILY ADVANCING,

SEVENTEEN HOUR BOMBARDMENT.

(United Press Association. —By Electric

Telegraph. —Copyright. 1

(Received this day at 11.16 u.m.) SHANGHAI, February 21

Meeting with a stubborn resistance along the Kiangwan front, the Japanese halted last night east of rue ■railway across which the Chinese fought ster.nliy. jTJi!e JJaplanese announced the capture of the Kiangwan village but this is incorrect as, tills morning, the Japanese planes and artillery are shelling this area whfch the Chinese still occupy. Seventeen hours of heavy bombardment yesterday enabled the Japanese to advance only as far as the Kaiugwan railway, but this morning a definite push westwards commenced. The Japanese infantry, under a heavy barrage, are steadily progressing over difficult country, intersected by a network of small creeks and canals, preventing the use of tanks and armoured cars. . From a small cluster of farmhouses, the Chinese poured in mac-hine-gun fire until the advance became too steady, and the shelling too insistent-,

From the top of the Kiangwan racecourse tower, the progress of the Japanese was visible, their line extend ing beyond vision, and reported to be covering four miles. The only point which held the advance was at Kiangwan village, which must fall, as the Japanese general advance has practically encompassed it. e Pillars of smoke and flame marked their advance, as every house and collection. of Chinese huts was fired and destroyed, removing all possible cover for snipers. Overhead, Japanese planes directed the artillery fire. The Chinese are tretiring slowly, (occasionally ho,thing and returning to fire, but lack of

heavy guns is obvious. It is authoritatively stated that eighty thousand Chinese troops are massed behind the main defences, extending from Chapei northwards, and it is reported that the whole terrain immediately in front if the entrenchments is heavily mined. The main forces of the Chinese have not yet been in action.

JAPANESE ATTACK RENEWED

SHANGHAI, February 21

Tlie Japanese renewed their attack at dawn, and a fierce struggle is proceeding. General Uyeda has cabled Tokyo for another division.