SOVIET & CHINA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 December 1940, Page 5

SOVIET & CHINA

CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR CHIANG KAFSHEK BLOW TO JAPANESE HOPES. ISSUES IN INNER MONGOLIA. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, December 5. The Soviet Government has informed Japan that it will continue to recognise the Government of General Chiang Kai-shek as the national Government of China and not .the puppet Government of Mr Wang Ching-wei created by the Japanese. Last Saturday Japan signed a treaty with Mr. Wang, clause three of which permits Japan to maintain troops in North China and Inner Mongolia for the purpose of fighting Communism. Today Moscow revealed that after the signing of the treaty, the Russian Ambassador in Tokio sought an explanation of the clause. He was given an assurance that it was not directed against Russia. Nevertheless, Tokio was informed that the Soviet Government’s policy toward China would remain unchanged. This means that Russian aid to General Chiang will-not be withdrawn or modified. China can trus depend on the support of three great Powers interested in the Far East —the United States, the Soviet Union and Great Britain, by whom Japan’s 'so-called new order in Asia has been rejected.

BIG COUNTEROFFENSIVE PLANNED BY THE CHINESE. PROPOSED BRITISH CREDIT. SHANGHAI, December 4. The Chinese Press reports that the Chinese High Command is feverishly preparing for a large-scale general counter-offensive next spring. More than 500 trucks which recently arrived from America are now stated to be rushing military supplies tc the northern and southern fronts. Every effort is being made to provide the Chinese forces in all areas with adequate quantities of war material. The Chinese Press also reports that the British Government is considering a £6,000,000 credit to China. Another report says thiat negotiations for a huge loan from Britain and Russia are proceeding smoothly.

SHANGHAI RUMOUR SOVIET INTENTION. LOAN & INCREASING AID FOR CHINA. (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) SHANGHAI, December 5. Coincidently with Russia’s notification to Japan that Soviet policy towards China remains unchanged, it is persistently rumoured in Shanghai that Russia is on the verge of extending to China a substantial loan and also giving her increasing aid by the Red route.