TO CAPTURE ARSENAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 350, 10 May 1928, Page 1

TO CAPTURE ARSENAL

Southerners Cross Yellow River

JAPAN SENDS MORE TROOPS rHE Southerners, after their battle with the Japanese at Tsinan, are crossing the Yellow River toward Tenchow, hoping to seize the arsenal there. (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian P.A.—United Service)

Reed, noon. TOKYO, Wed. The Government is issuing a statement to-day. It was verbally communicated last night to the Tokyo representatives of foreign Powers, explaining the reasons for the despatch of troops and disclaiming any intention of the occupation of Shantung. It states that the steps taken are solely for the protection of residents, maintaining communications, and guardfhg the railway, which will continue to be controlled by Chinese officials, and may be used by the Southerners peaceably. The statement emphasises non-interference in the movements of the Southerners. It is officially reported that the Southerners are crossing the Yellow River toward Tenchow, where an arsenal is the objective. It is stated that women and children from Tsinan have safely arrived at Tsingtao. An accusation that the Japanese killed Commissioner Tsai is denied. Actually Tsai was a refugee in a specie bank, under the protection of the Japanese troops during the attack. The greatest military council held in Japan since 1915 yesterday decided

immediately to despatch the Third Nagoya Division of 15,000 troops, also a railway corps and a telegraph corps, a total of 18,000 men in all, to guard the entire railway line in Shantung. The Japanese Navy will assume the responsibility for the coast guard and will also patrol the Yangtse Valley for the protection of Japanese and other foreign residents. WARSHIPS SENT ACTION BY BRITAIN British Official Wireless Reed. 10.50 a.m. RUGBY, Wed. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Sir Austen Chamberlain, answering questions in the House of Commons, said that British subjects in Tsinanfu were warned on or before April 20 to remove to a place of safety. Warships had been sent to neighbouring ports. Reports so far received did not indicate that there had been any loss of British lives, or destruction of British property.