WAR LORDS BUSY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 930, 25 March 1930, Page 9

WAR LORDS BUSY

CLOUD OBSCURES ARMIES’

REAL INTENT ATTACK ON NANKING United P.A. —By Telegraph — Copyrigh* Reed. 9.5 a.m. SHANGHAI, Monday. The commandeering of foodstuffs, the occupation of the telegraph and wireless stations, the seizure of railway rolling stock and slight skirmishing, are the chief features of the latest anti-Nanking rebellion. Dozens of former notorious war lords, great and small, are seizing the opportunity to recommence military activity. They are joining the rebels and receiving appointments, but the majority are unable to contribute more than personal services. It is reported that American and Italian marine reinforcements are en route to the Peking Legation from Chin Wang-tao for the purpose of protecting foreign nationals in the event of disturbances arising. The rebels apparently intend a double drive on Hankow and Nanking, uiilising the railways in both instances, 'but it is not yet clear whether the present uprising is caused with the intention of attempting to destroy the Nanking Government, or merely to establish an independent Government in Peking. Both sides are vigorously distributing propaganda in order to obscure their real intentions. Reliable information is unobtainable. Shansi "circles claim the decisive defeat of Han Fu-chu, a former Shansi general. It is alleged that Han’s troops fled before the Shansi onslaught, led by Sun Tien-ying, leaving arms and munitions on the field. Han said he was ready to retire and hand over command to his subordinates.