JAPAN COMMENCES DRIVE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1933, Page 5

JAPAN COMMENCES DRIVE

HEAVY FIGHTING IN JEHOL

(United Press Association —By

TOKIO, February 25

The Japanese War Office has issued a Statement to-day that tho Japanese ■have launched a drive which had long been prepared in order to clear the jprovince of ffe.hol o-f -hostile forces. The report states that already Peipiao arid KaiUi, two Jeho-1 towns, have been recovered from the enemy.

Th e Japanese and Manchukuo troops were perfectly co-operating, and were confident of success. Numerous bands of Marshall Chang Hsenh Liang’s Chinese volunteers wer e surrendering, and offering their allegiance to Manchukuo.

CHINESE CONFIRM RETORT,

SERIOUS FIGHTING OCCURS

SHANGHAI, February 25

A Chinese communique states: — Twenty thousand Japanese and Ma-n----chuku-o troops have (started a major offensive, driving westward towards Lingnan. They began advancing in two columns, based respectively on Chaoyang and Suicheng. There was serious fighting om Friday afternoon in th-3. vicinity of Chaoyang, which was ,still -being -he’d by the.-Chinese at nine o’clock last (Friday) night, -and there was also s erious fighting at Lingnan, where two Chinese brigades ar-e stubbornly -resisting. Communication wjth Ivailu (in North J-eholj ha-s been interrupted, but it is believed that the Japanese have simultaneously launched an attack in that region, causing General Tangyidin to ru-sh reinforcements through the Chihreng Pass.

CANADA’S DECISION

U.S.'A. MAY RECOGNISE SOVIET

TO COUNTER JAP AGGRESSION

NEW YORK. February

The New York “Timns’ ” Washington chief of staff, in -Ids comment. Hates: One of a -"-cry «mal,> group of Democrats who will conduct the foreign policies -of tho 'Pposevclt Administration said to.nivht that? in time, the morn] force-of the Geneva position • : u relation +o Japan’,- Manchurian poli,cv, evon though unsrnrvwted in mv wav bv -economic or military ap-epmes. is. certain to brio" about the desired change i ll that policy. This official declared h : s belief that the (American attitude towards Manchuria and China had been generally right, and that, courteously but firmly .maintained, it will finally give the opportunity to the Conservative and non-militaristic groups in Japan to repissume control o-f her policy, and subdue the ruthless militarists. H ( e -said : "Wholly moral .sanctions will ' win jn the end, and that in the not-to,o-distant future. Ther e is no doubt, however, that a strong Democratic group in .Congress favours the recognition of the Soviet Government partly becaus, e they believe that this would help to check- the Japanese activities on the mainland of Asia. “It is indicated," says “The Timas’” correspondent, "that the half-formed plan of the incoming Democratic Administration is t,o settle in advance of the recognition of the Soviet three things—first, the RussianAmerican debt .status ; and second, the issue of Communist propaganda here; and, third, terms for new commercial treaties. The recognition 0 f the Soviet Government, thereafter, is certain to be extended by M r Roosevelt’s State Department.

JAPAN SHAKEN

A REVOLUTION FEARED

.“There is the possibility of an official pronouncement to-morrow on the American position concerning the League Assembly developments, following on a coinerence between Mr Stimeon (presant 'Secretary of State) 'and Senator Hull (big successor), which has already been arranged. The indications are that the United 'States will consent to co-<operat e on a new Consr’tativp Committee of twenty-one that has been net up at Geneva, since the latter lias been .formed for the purpose of observing the Far East developments in connection with the Nine. Power Treaty (guaranteeing China’s integrity) and other treaties to which the United States U a signatory.

WAR IS UNTHINKABLE

A philosophical attitude towards today’s developments at Geneva is expressed bv th e Japanese Ambassador to the United States, M. Debushi. •'When the world sees an orderly Main,'huria by tlm early spring, and n pro«-ne-ous ■'f.anchnria, bv next autumn, it will understand that what my country is doing has reason,” hg said. “Wo in ,Taman, meantime, are going to he d anified and quiet. We have retired from the Assembly, and nothing nid'e can be done.

ADOPTED UN AN] MO USL Y

RUGBY. Febrary 24

When thr reprrti of the Committee of Nineteen was adopted by the Assembly of the League. Siam abstained from voting. Thirteen nations which are members rf the League were not represented, and as no .account

CHINESE OFFER STRONG RESISTANCE

TWO TOWNS REPORTED CAPTURED

Electric Tek-grapli. —Copyright--.)

was taken of the votes ol tlu; parties to the dispute, M. Hymans announced that the report- had been adopted unanimously. He added: “The recommendation of the Assembly is contained in the report, which represents an oiler to solve the dispute, that offer has been rejected by one of the parties to the dispute, which has decided to continue its own policy without considering the opinions of tliei other members.” He invited the nations not to relax their efforts to reach a solution of the dispute.

During the debate which preceded the voting, Mr Yen (China) accepted the report, and said that in view of its terms the sufferings of the Chinese people during the past seventeen months of wanton aggression had not been in vain,

This evening the Assembly resumed and agreed to appoint an Advisory Committee to follow, the situation in the Far East and to assist the Assembly in performing its duties! in accordance with Article 3 of the Covenant. The committee will also assistmembers of the League to concert their actions and attitude with nonmember States. The committee will bo composed of the members of the Committee- of Nineteen and representatives of Canada a nd the Netherlands. Tli United! States and Russia will he invited to assist- the committee. The committee will report to the Assembly whenever it deems fit.

WHY SHE VOTED AGAINST JAPAN

, OTTAWA, February 24

Applause from all sides of the House greeted the- announcement by Mr Bennett, Prime Minister, to-day, that the Canadian delegate to the League of Nations had voted in support of the report of the Committee of Nineteen. Mr Bennett read to the House the statement made before the League by the Canadian delegate, Dr W. A. Riddell.

Mr Mackenzie King said: “We on this side are heartily in accord with him in the statement he lias just made.”

Mr J. S. Woodworth (Labour) added: “Although some of us regret that certain action was not taken earlier,” Dr Riddell's statement before the League said: “The faith of the world in the possibility of a peaceful settlement is shaken. If this) faith is destroyed the structure of security slowly built up on the foundations of scrupulous respect for international covenants will be undermined. For these reasons we must vote for the adoption of the committee’s report.” Dr Riddell stressed the point that Canada had painstakingly followed tho policy which she considered most helpful in the crisis.

GENEVA. February 24

The correspondent here of the Sydney “Sun” says that the spontaneity with which the League Assembly consented to the adoption o’f the report of the Committee of Nineteen has undoubtedly shaken the Japanese, who are now apprehensive of the magnitude of their undertaking.

It is predicted in some quarters that the conflict, will continue for a few) weeks, after which Japan’s parlous finances will cause internal chaos and the terminating of the operations.

Japanese here admit that a lengthy war might cause a revolution.

AMERICA’S PACIFIC ATTITUDE

NEW YORK, Feb. 24

“The Times’’ chief of the Washington Bureau telegraphs to-night:—“On this the day which closes the era oi the relationship of Japan with the machinery created at Geneva by the Western Nations to preserve the peace of the world, there is not to be found in Washington one responsible public man who talks or even thinks, of the possibility of war between the United States and the people of the Asian Archipelago.

This is an interesting and Striking fact in view of the gravity or the issue, its bearing oil American policies in the Far East, and certain manifestations of Japanese suspicions as to this country’s attitude. There are, of course, certain officers and men in the armed service who discuss the possibility of war just as much as as their counterparts in Japan, but it is significant of American public feeling oi the state of mind of the members of Congress and the Government officials that not one of the many among whom I have made enquiry Ims responded otherwise than in eflect: “War, even distant, is unthinkable, and need not, and will not, overcome the differences between Japan and the rest of the world with respect to Manchuria.”

JAPAN SHAKEN BY LEAGUED

APPREHENSIVE OF STEP TAKEN.

GENEVA, February 24

The “Sydney Sun” correspondent says: The League Assembly’s consentaneity has undoubtedly shaken tlie Japanese, who arc now apprehensive at the magniture of their undertaking. It is predicted in some quarters that th,e conflict will continue in the Far blast for a few' weeks, after which Japan’s parlous finances will cause internal choas. thus terminating the operations. The Japanese here admitthat a lengthy war might cause a revolution in Japan. After the Japanese dramatic withdrawal, M. Matsuoka told the journalists in the lobby: “We are not coming back.” Interviewed, M. Matsuoka declared: Wo desire to remain friendly with Australia in common with other peoples. We bear no malice to anyone. M. Matsuoka seemed surprised when the Press Association representative mentioned Australian anxiety concernl ing the Pacific, particularly for the J mandates. He said: Tell Australia I that Japan wants peace in the pacific, and will continue trading with Aus- | tralia. I say emphatically however, that Japan will not forego the mandates. We were given the mandates before the Versailles Treaty was signed. If anybody wants them, they I know how to take them ■ namely, bring gunboats,”

JAPAN AND DISARMAMENT,

CO-OPERATION IN CONFERENCE,

TOKIO, February 25,

The Army, Navy and Foreign Ministers have jointly and definitely decided that Japan shall continue to co-operate on the Disarmament Conference aftor Japan’s withdrawal from the League, Consequent on the League’s antiJapanese verdict, the Japanese authorities are instructing the police to take the utmost precautions to prevent reactionary violence against foreigners, and especially Chinese residents.

BROKEN ALLIANCE BEMOANED

LONDON, February 25

Appearing to be the saddest man in Geneva, M. Matsuoka (Japanese Delegate) in an interview said: “I am unhappy to-day. I could have wept but for my Oriental fortitude.” He bemoaned the British' renunciation of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, which he described as ,the mainstay- of peace and older in the Far East. History, he said, would proclaim this renunciation one of t,he greatest tragedies of our times.

NEW YORK PRESS COMMENT

NEW YORK, February 25

“The New York Times” in a leading article entitled “Realities,” states: “What reality can, be more substantial than this full and deliberate expression of world opinion' adverse to Japan?' The most embarrassing reality for thoughful Japanese is that the spontaneous sentiment a nd tho unforced attitude of the peoples -all round the globe condemn what she has done.”

The “New York Herald Tribune” states: “The League lias not functioned in any way remotely like tha? in which its authors intended. Its intervention has not sufficed to halt war! If anything, its effects may actually have tended to exacerbate the situation, and to spread the area of fighting. Moral suasion, which has now actually been applied, may, however, yet prove effeetve.”

QUESTION OF ARMS EMBARGO LEAGUE INQUIRY.

GENEVA, February 25

Simultaneously with M. M-atsuolux’s departure for Paris, the League’s Advisory Committee, at which, Japan is represented, discussed Captain Eden, the British delegate’s suggestion, to create a committee’ to examine the export of arms in relation to events in the Far East, All of the delegates wore sympathetic, and promised their consideration in. time for the next meeting.

An invitation has been extended to America and Russia to co-operate in this committee’s work.

CHINESE MINISTER RECALLED

LONDON, February 25

“The Times’ ” Peking correspondent states: Chinese official telegrams state that tlie Chinese delegation at Geneva have telegraphed to the Nanking Government suggesting that the Chinese Minister at Fokio be withdrawn. The Chinese Government has instuetoc! the Minister, Chang Tso Pin, to leave Tokio.

N.Z. MISSIONARY IN JEHOL

LONDON. February 26

The Bluish United Press Association special correspondent at Jclio! City states: The Union Jack is flying over the Protestant Mission buildings’ in Jehol where a New Zealander, the Rev. Dutliie, remains with his wife and young children, and refuses to abandon his post in the face oE threatened air raids.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PROTEST \\ aNG ANUI, February 25.

At the Presbyterian Assembly a resolution was carried urging the N.Z. Government to protest to the British Government against the supply of arms and ammunition by British firms to the East

JAPAN BUYS “MOERAKI.” SYDNEY, February 25. The Union Coy steamer Moeraki, -died to-day for Japan where she has been purchased for breaking up.

LABOUR. URGES LEAD TO WORLD

FOR, EMBARGO ON ARMS EXPORT

(Received Feb. 27 at 8 a.m.)

LONDON, February 26

The Labour Party Conference appealed to tho Government to lead the wort;,-! by am mediate embargo on the export of arms and ammunition.

The Ministers were in close consultation during ttie week-end respecting the Far Eastern questions, but there is no reason to believe that the Government attitude is altered. In no circumstances will Britain act independently jn countries producing and exporting amts, though she is ready to enter into a compact for limitation with all the other .powers concerned.

The problem is not so simple as might bo -suppoaeil. Obvious ‘difficulties. arise from the imposing of an embargo- on exports to Japan alone. The British Government’a attitude at present is definitely one of non-inter-vention. If the embargo were enforced only on the export of arms to Japan, arms sent to China would certainly be seized by the Japanese navy. The “Sunday Times’ ” Geneva correspondent mays that Britain will refuse to agree to the enforcement of sanctions against Japan under Articles Sixteen of the Covenant.

CAPTURE OF CHAOYANG DENIED-. (Received Fteb. 27 at 8 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Feb, 28. No,wig from Jehpl is Conflicting. While the Japanese claim the capture of Chaoyang, Peking' dispatches say that It is still uncaptured,

CAUSE uF FAR EAST TROUBLE,

“BREACH OF ANGLO-JAP PACT.”

(Received Feb. 27 -at 11 a.m.) GENEVA, February 26,

M. CMjafenoka, interviewed,. attributed the Far East trouble to the termination of the Anglo-Japanese alliance which history will proclaim a .«i the greatest tragedy of the times. The alliance would have been the mainstay of peace, but now Japan was the only mainistay. “Everyone is ioraz-y. Why cannot they realise that Japan lia,s never taken anything from anybody for twenty-six centuries. She was forced to annex Korea, because Russia and America each represented the arrow directed at our hearts, -but, when the chance comets we shall gratify Korean aspirations. Similarly we are prepared to abandon Manchuria directly she is healthy and (strong. Meanwhile we stand by her to the last man.”

JAPANESE ADVANCE CONTINUES. '(Received Feb. 27 at 11.30 a.m.) TOKYO, February 26. C-ua-ngchun advises that the Japanese advance is continuing in all sectors according to schedule. Numerous towns were occupied to-day despite blizzards. Transports conveyed evacuating Japanese civilians from the Ohingwantao and Shanghaikwan districts to Tientsin.

JAPAN’S COUNTER, STATEMENT,

(Received Feb. 27 at 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, February 26.

Japan has issued simultaneously from Tokio, to Geneva, London and other capitals a counter-statement criticising the League-. Assembly' and also the Committee’s --report as impracticable, recapitulating her own attitude.

BURNING TOWN EVACUATED

MAIN ARMIES NOT YET AT GRIPS

(Received Feb. 26 at 9.35 a.m.) PEKING, February 26

The latest- Chinese advices admit that Chaoyang was evacuated last night, and is now in flames, due to Japanese air bombing which destroyed 'the post and telegraph office and other official buildings. The garrison has withdrawn to- form a new line ten miles westward.

Kailu, which the Chinese abandoned as untenable owing to its flat sandy terrain, is in ruins. The Chinese casualties hitherto were officially estimated at five hundred. Apparently the Japanese attacking; force has not yet- oome to grips with the Chinese I'esulni's. and is still being harried by guerilla bands roaming in the “No Man’s Land” separating the two armies.