EASTERN SITUATION

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1932, Page 5

EASTERN SITUATION

CHINESE WARNED CONTINUED CONCENTRATION. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) SHANGHAI, March 8. General Shirawaka has issued warning to the Chinese regarding the continued concentration icf hostile troops in the vicinity of the Japanese defences, stating that the digging of trenches and the ejecting of defences constitutes a threat, which the Japanese cannot overlook. If a serious clash occurs, the -responsibility will he Chinese. The Nanking populace is reported to be excited. Many people are evacuating the city, owing to reports of tpe approaching 'Japanese and the receding Chinese troops, both of which are discredited. 1 Chiang Kai-Shek has been appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese Army, Navy and Air Force. The situation in Shanghai is brighter following the announcment that the Chinese public services are to be j resumed in the devastated areas. The situation is unchanged, both sides holding their defence lines with out fighting. The commercial life of Shanghai is practically at a standstill. No progress is being made to end . the deadlock and, unless n speedy settlement is affected, further widespread hostilities are feared.

NEW MANCHURIA. INAUGURATION CEREMONY. ‘ SHANGHAI, March 8. Changchun, the new capital of the new Manchurian State of Manchuria, As agog with excitement, pending the inauguration of the new Regent, the ex-Ernperor of China, who is now generally known as Mr Puyi. All the preparations are in the hands of the Japanese. Meantime, developments in Manchuria are again attracting attention. Harbin reports state that 61 locomotives have been sent by the Chinese Eastern railway into Russia, for a purpose unknown, PEACE PROPOSALS. DEBATE IN LEAGUE. RUGBY, March 8. Sir John Simon, at the League Assembly at Geneva to-day, read a message from Sir Miles Lampson, Bri- ; tish Minister in China, stating that, in t accordance with the Assembly’s request, the British, United States, French, and Italian authorities at Shanghai, were collaborating to send to Geneva, daily, a joint telegram, giving the latest available information regarding the situation in the Sluinghai neighbourhood. The first date dated March 6, gave the position of the Japanese lines, anri stated that occasional skirmishing was then continuing. The Assembly delegates continued the general debate on various aspects of the dispute JAPANESE ATTITUDE. (Received this dnv at 10.15 a.m.) * SHANGHAI, March 9.. Despite General Shirakawa’s warning to the Chinese yesterday, lie officially indicated to the Press Conference to-day that he did not expect further major hostilities, though the danger of civil war between Cantonese forces and Chiangkaishe&'s troops in the areas around Shanghai were obvious, necessitating the retaining of considerable Japanese forces along the twenty kilometre boundaries. BRITISH ATTITUDE. LONDON, March 9. The British Government will not participate in any coercive measures against Japan, Sir John Simon told the “Mail’s” special representative at Geneva. He added that the League’s duty is to obtain a settlement by mediation, not coercion, which would inevitably leave one of tho parties embittered.

FIRES IN MUKDEN. HUNDREDS ARRESTED. TOKIO, Marc 1 1 9. Innumerable simultaneous fires early this morning at Mukden were reported. Hundreds were arrested, caught redhanded, said to be adherents of lOhang Hsuehliang. It is intended as a demonstration against the inaugural ceremony of the investiture of Henry J’liyi and the new State of Manchuria.