JAPANESE ADVANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1932, Page 5

JAPANESE ADVANCE

ALONG NINE MILE FRONT CHINESE STOUT RESISTANCE. [United Press Association.—By Eleven* Telegraph.—Copyrignt. J

SHANGHAI, Feh. 21. Bombing aeroplanes and tanks have been used against the ( hine.se positions, and the Chinese used land mines against the tanks, claiming some success. It is reported that the whole area immediately lin front of the entrenchments is heavily mined, The main forces ol the Chinese have not yet bean in action. The Japanese, are also heavily engaged near Wdosuug, where the artillery lire ‘was particularly severe. Shanghai repor/; H .state that large numbers of refugees mossed Suochow Creek ■into the Settlement from Chapni. Kiangwan village fell into Japanese hands on'Sunday night, t'w obv enabling the straightening of the Japanese line to be effected. A Japanese spokesman has announced that the Chin&se resistance has proved stiffer than the Japanese expected, as iChinese, behind ancient walls and battlements, have been able to pour a heavy machine gun fire on the advancing parties of Japanese. It is estimated that 'the* Japanese have advanced nine miles along their eight mile front, The Japanese tire now preparing to attack the 'Chinese main defences, behind the Hongkew Creek, where really serious fighting is anticipated. The Japanese casualties are officially stated to be so far 140 killed and wounded. The Chinese losses have not been announced. THE CHINESE O'OA'MANDER. RESIDENTS prepare to leave. SHANGHAI. Feb. 22. The Nanking Government has issued an order placing the whole command of the Chinese forces ■around Shanghai under General Tsaitingkai. The British residents of Shanghai have been circularised during the week-end and warned to concentrate their women and children at the Shanghai Club, and /to be ready for evacuation. They were told to carry the minimum of clothing and ithe maximum of food. . Steamers are ready for transporting the refugees to an unknown spot. 1h s step is being taken only in an emergency.

OPPOSITION TO BOYCOTT. FEAR OF RESULTING WAR. LONDON, Feb. 22. :A letter regarding the question of intervention in the Far Eastern hosti !iti e.s •has been written to(“The Times” bv Admiral Hon. &£ S. R. Fremantle, late Comnnder-in-Chief tut. Portsmouth. He warns Britain that there would be dangers for her in the adoption of the League ** of Nations Union’s proposal to attempt an economic blockade of Japan, which, ■he says, would quickly develop, becoming mainly a (naval war. , 'He goes on to say that 75 per cent of the naval operations would then fall on Britain's shoulders. Britain 'would thus drift into a first class war against an old and tried ally, under disadvantageous conditions. The onu s of dealing with neutral rights, which would be claimed by America and Russia, would fall mostly on Britain, with far-reaching results, which could only be contemplated with the utmost apprehension.

IX the SETTLEMENT. ,RUGBY, Feb. 21. Shanghai reports that in the International Settlement, conditions are practically normal, although there is necessarily danger from stray shells, while hostilities are conducted .so near, This risk does not appear to have: increased with the resumption of hostilities. I’robably 'the representations made to both the Chinese and Japanese authorities, bv reprosentatievs of the neutral Rowers, have had their elfect. Meanwhile, complete calm is maintained in the 'Settlement. “DAILY MA n\'<s 'RV CE. LONDON, Feb. 21. “Keep cool and keep out” is the “Daily Mail’s” editorial advice to Great Britain in connection with the question of intervention at Shanghai. BORAH’S R ERUPT ATI ON. WASHINGTON, Feb. 21. Senator Borah repudiates 'the idea that the United States contemplates inrvoknig the economic boycott against japan. He said he favoured retaining friendly relations with both Japan and 'China, unless a break came through some act of theirs. If America started with a belligerent attitude, the logical outcome would he war.

The increasing popularity of ><cw Zealand honey in Great Britain is shown by the splendid sales icturiis .for the last quarter of the old year (writes a London correspondent on .January 14t!i.) During the months of October, November, and December an increase of 42 per cent, is recorded over the average sales for the year 1928, 1929, and 1999. The quantity „f honey actually sold during the period named was tar in excess of any quarter in the bust ten years. The representative of the New Zealand j[onev Producers’ Association in London, Mr H. W. Castle, and Messrs C. and E. Morton, who handle and market the Association’s entire output have reason to he pleased with the excellent result.