JAPANESE TERMS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 March 1932, Page 5

JAPANESE TERMS

TO CEASEJfIGHTINU / DESPERATE LAST STAND. CHINESE UNDER BARRAGE. (United Press Association —By Electric . Telegraph.—Copyright.) SHANGHAI, Feh. 20. ) Tliis morning the Japanese opened another furious bombardment on Chapei, which is being steadily reduced to ruins. It is believed, according to unofficial statements, that the‘ Japanese are prepared to make the following proposals •y- for cessation of hostilities: The muJ, tual withdrawal of troops to definite lines; appointment of a mixed committee of Japanese and Chinese, to supervise the withdrawal, the committee to appoint neutral observers; and if desirable the immediate creation .of a round-table conference, consisting of representatives of all foreign nationalities interested, to discuss the protection of Chinese and foreign interests.

Following an intensive bombardment to-day, lasting three hours, the Jananese launched at attack at all points of their front.

Details are at present lacking, though the Japanese claim that their general advance in some places is already penetrating the Chinese lines for two miles, and is also advancing into Chnpei. Commencing at nine this morning, the Jnpanese marines advanced into Chnpei, following a hot burruge, and forced their way through masses of barbed wire ,in a south-easterly direction across the Shanghai-Woosung railday, to Kongkew Creek, which was bridged under fire, Tn the fiercest engagement so far tlm Japanese gunners sent over a heavy barrage of high explosives and shrapnel alternately, the Chinese infantry suffering intensely, while aeroplanes circled above Chnpei. forcing the Chinese artillery to remain under cover. Several fires started, adding to the increased horror of the situtaion which was grim enough as the Chinese fought bravely and hopelessly in their trench system, practically the only cover left in Cliapei. The Japanese at three in the afternoon claimed a substantial advance into Chapei, stating they were able to take Shanghai north station at any time.

Deports from other sections of the line indicate that the Japanese were still advancing, though it is expected that they will rest and consolidate their positions, giving tile Chinese an opportunity to retire from Chapei, which is desirable in view of the danger to international settlements, should the Chinese decide .to make a desperate last stand.

r JAP REPLY TO SOVIET. WILL RECOGNISE RIGHTS. MOSCOW, Feb. 28. The Japanese Ambassador replied to M. Knrnkhan that troops will not approach the Soviet frontiers. They only proceed to Imianpo, possibly to Hailin, Japan respects the Soviet’s rights in Northern Manchuria and will not violate the Soviet’s rights on the railway, only despatching troops to protect Japanese subjects. M. KarakhSl \j agreed temporarily to permit a lim'd ited number of troops to be transported to Imianpo, at the utmost to Hailin. He asked for further information regarding the massing of Japanese troops on the Soviet-Ivorean frontier. PROSPECTS FOR PEACE. SPECULATION AT GENEVA. GENEVA, Feb. 29. Much speculation has been aroused by the new Note by Japan, addressed to members of the League Council of Twelve. The strictest secrecy is being preserved, but it is reported that the Note after indicating that the Japanese are really fighting the Communist Niniteenth Army and not the Chinese National Army, assures members that I as soon as the Chinese are driven back \ sufficiently far to menace no longer the Japanese nationals, Japan will be agreeable to consider a truce and the establishment of a neutral zone, after which the round-table conference by Japanese, Chinese and interested foreign nationals would he held to consider a solution of Sino-Japanese problems, including the policing of the evacuated zone, and the future status of Shanghai, Sir John Simon studied the Note today and saw Mr Matsudiara to-nigbt It is expected that the Council of Twelve will meet to-morrow. Meanwhile communications are pro- • , feeding with the Far East and a more hopeful feeling prevails.

( SOVIET LOUDER KQRT I V I ED. t LONDON, Feb. 29. The “Daily Expres’s” Harbin correspondent states that the Med Army has turned the Soviet border into a semi-circle of fortified camps, recalling the Flanders front in the World War. - Trucks with aeroplanes and war material wee transporter! quietly in the direction of Vladivosl.ock, where the island in the harbour is being fortified,

BTG ORDER FOR MUNITIONS. LONDON, Feb. 28. The “Time’s” correspondent at Paris states that the Socialist newspaper, “Le Populaire” publishes a denunciation of French armament manufacturers, for supplying munitions to the Japanese Government. j One firm is busy with a Japanese order for war material valued at £1,600,000.

A MILITARY CONFERENCE.' rOKIO, Fob. 29. A conference aboard Admiral Kelly’s flagship on Sunday leads to hopes that strongest efforts would be made to secure cessation of hostilities. The Chinese are believed to now bo more conciliatorv.

AMERICA OPPOSED TO BOYCOTT. WOULD" HAVE ILL EFFECT. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m'. WASHINGTON, February 29. It is now definitely established that the United States Government is completely opposed to any plan for an economic boycott against Japan, and that the major European Powers tend to agree that the enormous hazards | to peace, plus the reaction in domestic industries drawing raw materials from , the country boycotted, are considered • here to be sufficient to outweigh the benefits. United States observers abroad report that the boycott sentiment is largely limited to the smaller nations which will not be «u directly involved in the consequences. Orders have been issued by the *Navy Department which will place, virtually, the entire United States Navy in the Pacific Ocean. CHINESE COUNTER-ATTACK. FIERCE ONSLAUGHT ENSUES. (Received this <• v at ,10. JO a.m.) SHANGHAI, Ifobrujary 29.

A development of flank movements was the first definite indication of the hemming of the Chapei force from the north, and cutting the connection between the Kiang Wan lines. The Chinese are contesting every inch, refusing to wait for another Japanese offensive, supported by reinforcements which are expected to land hourly. The Chinese at Kaing Wan this morning counter-attacked, their objective being Chengehiatsai village, which the Japanese captured last week. The Chinese onslaught proved so severe that the Japanese front lines in that section had to be strengthened by two regiments and one mountain battery.

The Chinese eventually withdrew to their former position,;. Although additional Japanese' divisions are in the vicinity of Shanghai no landing of the main body was made.

THREAT ISSUED BY JAPAN. CHINA DOUBTS INTEGRITY, SHANGHAI, February 29. While the Foreign Ministers are doing their utmost to effect a peaceful* (solution, the Japanese military authorities to-day, through the local Consulate,, issued a threat, which is likely to precipitate further destruction, over a wide radius, at Shanghai. The Consul-General, Murai, sent a warning to the Mayor of Shanghai, stating that, unless the Chinese discontinue sending reinforcements to the Shanghai area, the Japanese would undertake an extensive destruction of railway communications. The warning adds: “Continued concentration of the Chinese around Shanghai presents a distinct menace, which the Japanese cannot overlook. Since most reinforcements are arriving by railway, the Japanese are compelled to destroy tracks between Hashing and Shanghai. Military movements along the railway must cease by March 2nd, otherwise aeroplane attacks will commence.”

The Chinese were ordered to warn civilians located along the railway zones to evacuate. In view of this threat, the Chinese military are not prepared to accent peace overtures, claiming that the Japanese community is believing that the present suggestion for the cessation of hostilities is merely a Japanese subterfuge to enable the safe landing of new divisions, which are hovering in the vicinity of Shanghai. The British Minister, to-day, xunmittcrl peace proposals to the Foreign Ministry at Nanking. An hour’s conversation ended in the Chinese agreeing to aseeept the proposals in principle, but insisting that before the Chinese withdraw, the Japanese must evacuate from the whole o) the Chinese territory.

Prospects for peace are baldly encouraging,

CM 1 N F.SF, <I EX ERA L AR R ESTER. RESULTS IN JAPANESE VICTORY. SHANGHAI, February 29. An arrest of a Chinese hv Japanese marines at Aston House Hotel on Saturday brought an interesting revelation, as the person arrested was none other than General Wang Rang, Commander of the Chinese brigade defending the most important point n t Cliapei, where the Japanese yesterday made a successful attack. Wang who received Ids military education at. West Point Academy m America, was formerly liasrm officer between the Nanking Government and the foreign authorities. He v.-s dressed in multi, and came to the. Settlement to confer with the American attache, ignoring the military [Julico.