LINE UN SHAKEN

Rotorua Morning Post, 1 March 1933, Page 5

LINE UN SHAKEN

THE CHINESE DEFENCE. (Received Februray 28.) Peking, Feb. 27. Changes in the Japanese plans are reported in the latest C.hinese despatches from the Jehol front. Finding it impossible to force the Paishihtsumen Pass, the Japanese made a sudden thrust from Pelpiao Tamiac with the object of seizing Keinping, which will bring the invaders within striking distanee. of either Lingyuan or Chinfeng. A Chinese communique claims, however, that despite the Japanese onslaught, the Chinese line remains unshaken. A Mogi cavalry brigade aided by a Suzuki infantry detachment pusHed southward 4eaphing Hasiapa, where fighting is still proceeding despite a blinding sandstorm, which is sweeping down from the Gobi Desert and combining with a below-zero temperature to hamper the Japanese progTess. Despatches say the Japanese are now discarding the Manchukuo troops owing to defection in their ranks. The Manchukuo Brigade, of 5000 men, formerly under Tangyulin's command, which turned over to the Japanese near Chaoyang on Saturday, was pursued by Japanese aeroplanes which bombarded them, inflicting considerable casualties.