RUSSIAN GUNS BUSY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 828, 23 November 1929, Page 9

RUSSIAN GUNS BUSY

THINGS MOVING IN MANCHURIA TALK OF SETTLEMENT Reed. 11.15 a.m. SHANGHAI. Friday. Although Japanese repons from Mukden have announced the intention of the Manchurian authorities to negotiate a settlement with Moscow of the Chinese Eastern Railway dispute, an independent Nanking following has continued to maintain pressure. The Soviet military forces are confined in a precarious position by the Nanking forces. An official statement from Honan declares that the Nationalist Government tonight denied that mediation was being offered by Wellington Koo on behalf of Manchuria. Nevertheless a Japanese report from Harbin states that the Chinese commander has ordered the evacuation of Mancliuli, following heavy bombardment by the Soviet artillery. Japanese authorities are concerned about Hie safety of nationals. The Chinese report that enormous damage to Manehuli has been inflicted by gunfire. The telegraph and railway stations and tracks have been destroyed, but details are lacking of the casualties. DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS CHINA’S CHANGE OF HEART Reed. 11.15 a.rn. SHANGHAI, Friday. This iveek’s pressure at both ends o£ the Chinese Eastern Railway has apparently resulted in a considerable change uL’ heart on the part oE the Chinese authorities, who announced today, with the consent oE Nanking and Mukden, that they propose to enter into negotiations with Moscow for the settlement of the dispute direct, appointing Dr. Wellington Koo plenipotentiary. It is also believed that the generallv adverse situation in Honan and Kuangsi is having some effect in achieving the change of policy.