WAR IN CHINA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 February 1939, Page 6

WAR IN CHINA

SIGNS OF SOUTHERN INVASION JAPANESE CONCENTRATING ” WARSHIPS. AIR BOMBARDMENT BEGUN. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright. (Received This Day, 12.20 p.m.) HONG KONG, February 9. A concentration of Japanese warships and transports in the vicinity of Pakhoi, including the flagship Idumo, suggests that the next major operation will be an invasion of the Kwangtung coast. Airmen have begun .an intensive bombardment of Pakhoi from a new airbase on Kweichow Island, which the Japanese captured last- week. The west end of the city was set on fire but the casualties were small because 20,000 inhabitants had evacuated to the country. The withdrawal of large numbers of Japanese troops from the war zones is regarded as most significant. It has resulted in Chinese irregulars recapturing several centres in the Canton area.

NORTHERN OPERATIONS

CAMPAIGN AGAINST GUERILLAS.

IMPORTANT CAPTURE

CLAIMED.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 12.20 p.m.) PEKING, February 9.

General Sugiyama has begun his first major operation since he assumed command, at the end 0f.1938, in an attempt to control central Hopei Province, an effort to subdue which was repelled throughout the year. He claims the capture of Ankuo, an important guerilla centre. MANY PRISONERS. ACCORDING TO JAPANESE REPORT. (Received This Day, 11.50 a.m.) TOKIO, February 9. It is claimed that 17,000 Chinese were killed and 550.000 taken prisoners m January, as a result of a Japanese drive against the North China guerrilla bands. The Japanese losses were 1-16 killed and 353 wounded.