EASTERN CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 March 1933, Page 6

EASTERN CRISIS

COMMUNIST TROOPS RUN LOOSE.

GOVERNMENT FORGES DEFEATED

(Übited Pres 3 Association —By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received this day at 11.50 a.m.)

SHANGHAI, March 1

Government authorities are displaying considerable anxiety regarding Communist, movements in the interior, especially since reports, reveal an alarming state of affairs at Szechun, where Communist, troops are running loose ; in many, directions, threatening to command the . whole province unless the Government forces are able to muster sufficient courage, to withstand their attacks. Communists have already occupied Pachung and Nanchiang. two of the wealthiest districts in North Szechun, completely defeating the Government troops. ' .

While the Chinese official sources are; strangely silent regarding the progress of the Jehol warfare, the Japanese are claiming further victories, which are enabling the combined Japanese and Manchukuo forces to commence an encircling movement on Chihfong. It ig expected that, unless the. Chinese defenders, of' .Chihfong .flee, the next few days will see one of thejv bloodiest encounters between the oppos-: ing iorces, since the Chinese are claim-' ing . that they intend making their' first definite stand in this area. ' ,

• Peking messages report considerable uneasiness at Chihgwangtao where twi additional Japanese warships arrived, bringing' the ■ total "to ten