CHINESE RETREAT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1933, Page 5

CHINESE RETREAT

JAPS IN PURSUIT CHINA’S MILITARY INDICTED. United Press Association—By Electri* Tel ©graph—Copy ri gb t.) SHANGHAI, March 6. Japanese at Jehol are completing pursuit of the defeated Chinese southward from Pingeham and Linkou. Occasional clashes are occurring as the harried fugitives turn on their pursuers like snarling wolves, but fail to check the advance. According to Japanese despatches, Charioar province adjoining Jehol, to the westward, is expected to declare its independence shortly and to join Manchukuo. Bewailing the loss of Jehol and the failure of the Chinese troops to offer resistance, Mr Soong, Minister of Finance, has issued a remarkable statement through the Kuomin official news agency, consisting of a crushing indictment of the- Chinese military, which, he declares, is steeped in the traditions of old-fasbjdned warfare. Mr Soong contrasts the differences in equipment, and lack of leadership of the Chinese with a highly, mechanised Japanese forces {mpporf-ed by levery modem ‘killing device on land, air and sea,

He says that now a debacle has come, the public demands scapegoats. Blame will, however, befound not with the individual but with the system, which permits the existence of vast armies of ill-fed, ill-armed, and ill trained soldiery, which in the time of crisis become degenerate, helpless mobs. “Nevertheless” he says “I maintain that we did the right thing in fighting, if only to prove, that Jehol in past Chinese territory, and is not to go by default. There will arise from this anvil of Japanese aggression something great and pure, fashioned from the blood and tears of a nation writhing under the heel of aggression; but, until our military leaders discard eighteen century connections of warfare and begin training a modern army, so..long will we be prey to any nation-wishing to impose its will upon China.

CHINESE LEADER’S TREACHERY

SOLD POSITION TO THE ENEMY

(Received this day at 10 a.m.) SHANGHAI, March 6

While many stories are current that treachery was the main factor of the surprising collapse of the Chinese defences in Jehol, few probable facts are obtainable which implicate Tangyulih ahd his subordinates. TaUgyttlin is illiterate -and ty-ranical. Governor of the province liimself at one time, lie adhered to the Manchukuo Government whence he later secreded, Two battalions of Tangyulin’s men went over to the enemy between Lingyuan and Chaoyang, leaving gaps through which the Japanese passed to attack Chank-such-lang’s men from the rear. With both key positions in the Japanese hands, the Chinese defence inevitably collapsed. No second line was prepared. These outlines of the campaign suggest t.n observers that the oriental doo S not change his habits. It is impossible to escape the conclusion that, apart from tlije Chinese military inferiority, the earlier positions were undoubtedly captured by the free use of the silver bullet? JAPAN NOT PROCEEDING FURTHER, RIDDING MANCHUKUO OF HOSTILES. (Received this day at 10 a.m.) TOKYO, March 6. Telegrams report that Japanese forces now command all seven entrances to the Great Wall. It is understood that it is not intended to proceed further, Japan being satisfied with clearing Manchukuo of hostiles which has been accomplished with the minimum of bloodshed. Inhabitants are welcoming the allied troops, being glad to be relieved of the burden of the Chinese soldiery.