MANCHURIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 23 July 1929, Page 5

MANCHURIA

MILITARY MOVEMENTS ON BORDER SUSPENSE IN CHINA STILL HOPES OF SETTLEMENT EXODUS FRO.M MANCHULI (United Press Association—By Electric Xolegrapa—Copy righ i) (Australian L'reuu Association) SHANGHAI, 22nd July. Though President Chiang reiterates confidence that tbe Manchurian situation will be settled amicably, the country everywhere is in a state of suspense, especially in the north, where lorcigu observers fear a minor clash of opposing troops either at Manchuli or Pograniohnaya may constitute the spark which will set the border aflame. Weekend messages are notably scanty in their references to military movements on tho border. This is believed to be indicative of quietness. According to Japanese messages from Manchuli ttio Chinese are digging entrenehments along the northern edge of the town, resulting in the inhabitants taking flight. Pogranichnaya at the other end of the railway is quiet, but it is reported that Chinese troops fired on Soviet aeroplanes, who retaliated by dropping bombs on Russian territory in a threatening manner as a warning. Latest messages from Harbin report the. arrival of large numbers of Japanese refugees from Manchuli, mostly women, and children, bringing a message from the Japanese Consul stating that owing to the increasingly critical situation and the possibility of tbe destruction of railway bridges across Hailar river, he had ordered the withdrawal of Japanese civilians, though he had previously... intended to accommodate thein at the Consulate. A telegraphic message from Manchuli states that acting on Chinese instructions from .Mukden military officials on the western frontier aro sending their families to Harbin by special train, adding to the anxiety of other inhabitants and causing rumours that hostilities are expected momentarily.