CHIENSE OPTIMISM

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1932, Page 5

CHIENSE OPTIMISM

FOLLOWING JAPANESE FAILURE IN A HEAVY ATTACK. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received this day at 10.15 a.in.) February 25. There is evidence of a wave of optimism which is sweeping the Chinese, as a result of the Japanese failure to overcome the Chinese forces when a thousand coolies attempted to pass through the lines of the French concession for the- purpose of joining the Chinese army. Alter a night during which a .number of Chinese counter attack's were repulsed, Japanese in Kiangwan sector with a big body of troops swept into action in a fresh effort to penetrate the Chinese defence lines. The attack was preceded by Japanese aeroplane© bombing backed by an intensive artillery bombardment which failed to make the expected impression, the Chinese replying fiercely from well protected dugouts.

ATTACK LAUNCHED. SHANGHAI, February 24. A message estates that the Japanese are using all available men, guns planes, and tanks, and launched a general attack on Kiangwan front at 8 ii.nb to-day, MAY CONTINUE INDEFINITELY CHINESE SEVERELY REPULSED (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Feb. 25. Foreign officials now believe that the present struggle will continue indefinitely, providing that Chinese supplies continue, and that the present support of the whole nation does not abate. Chinese commanders iu all parts of China are now anxious to participate in the hostilities, and are offering troops. Almost a month’s fighting on three fronts has accomplished little, the Japanese having failed to capture Cliapei and AVoosung village, though they have demolished the forts, while the advance on the Kiangwan area amounts to nothing, apart from the open country which the Chinese conceded.

The Chinese are being steadily reinforced, and to-day the Japanese, threw their full weight against the Chinese entrenched behind Hong Kong creek, and attempted to smash the Chinese resistance with repeated assaults from three sides.

Japanese planes appeared over Chinese lines, opening the offensive simultaneously with the artillery. Three hours’ incessant bombardment continued until the planes signalled that the Chinese were retreating. The Japanese infantry then commenced a drive, just at the moment when Chinese reinforcements appeared and strengthened the faltering lines, which turned to meet the Japanese onslaught. -Machines guns rattled on all sides and hand grenades ripped through the wave of Japanese attackers, before a desparate hand to hand light ensued. The Chinese finally wavered, and retreated in disorder, hut more Chinese poured in from the second defences, rallying the runaways, and holding the Japanese advance. The Japanese, however, gained considerable ground with the loss of many lives. Additional forces from Chiang Kai Shek’s troops replaced the terribly depleted ranks of the nineteenth army. Miao Hang Chen village, behind Hong Kew, was subjected to a relentless bombardment .throughout the day. Once during tile afternoon the Chinese counter-attacked with disastrous results, the Japanese holding their lire until the attackers were almost on top, when the murderous machine guns mowed down the advancing lines, forcing/ a retirement, alter desparate heavy firing. Shanghai biannual visitation of crows is in progress, and thousands of birds are hovering over the battle field, swooping to the ground during a lull to fatten on hundreds of dead soldiers. The situation of unemployed is daily becoming worse, since Chinese business is practically suspended, and thousands of Chinese are facing sta nation.

shipload nf miliLar.v sirpplifs fur con Li ii nation of likiuilslic il was being freely an ( [ oiHMily sent to tin* belligerent States from other countries witlti t-lic consent of their governments. 'Die civilisation of the world would not sillier much, if in the Far Fast, there was only lighting with bare lists, instead of bombs and shells, involving thousands of lives, and incalculable los.-> of property.

RUSSIAN PROPOSALS. REJECTED BY CONFERENCE. (Received this dav at 10.15 a.in.) GENEVA, Feb 25. The Soviet's complete universal db armament proposal was rejected, only Russia am Turkey supporting it.