RENEWAL OF CRISIS.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20256, 27 July 1937, Page 7

RENEWAL OF CRISIS.

JAPANEBE OCCUPY TOWN. ATTACKS AND COUNTER-ATTACKS. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, July 25. A message from Tientsin states that Japanese and Chinese troops have clashed at Lang Fang in the Hopei province. A squadron of Japanese aeroplanes bombarded the Chines* barracks. A telegram from Tokio says « communique states that the Chines* attacked the Japanese, who were repairing telegraph wires, wounding five of them. A further despatch from Tokio states that the Japanese garrison announces that the Chinese are heavily reinforcing their troops at Lang-fang. A strong protest lias been handed to Sung Cheh-yuan. Governor of Hopei, naming the 113th Brigade and the 38 th Division of the Chinese Army as the aggressors.

The Japanese are counter-attacking. According to a message from Peking the Japanese have occupied Langfang, and the Chinese arc retreating toward Huan-tsun. The Japanese are pursuing them and attempting to outflank them.

A telegram from Nanking states that Sung Cheh-yuan has telegraphed to the Central Chinese Government stating that he has ordered the 29th Army to resist. It is considered that a very grave renewal of the crisis is inevitable. +

PEACE OR WAR? TIIE DECIDING FACTOR. GOVERNOR OF PROVINCES. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel Copyright. LONDON. July 26. ‘‘Whether there will be war or peace in China depends upon General Sung Cheh-yuan, Governor of the Hopei and Chahar provinces, and his 100,000 troops,”* says the Tokio correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. “Neither Tokio nor Nanking knows where his sympathies lie. Three courses are open to him: — “(1) He may remain neutral, allowing the situation to resolve itself into a stralghtout clash between Japan and the Chinese Central Government. “(2) He may adhere to Nanking, In which case, the Premier, Chiang Kaishek, will be greatly strengthened numerically and strategically. “(3) He may fight along with Japan. “If Sung chooses the last course Chlang Kai-shek will be compelled to defeat his own countrymen before attacking the Japanese. “All China is opposed io civil war. It Is very doubtful, however, if Ming could command the loyalty of all his men if lie supported the Japanese. He would probably be confronted with i . : “Mr IBn Minister, Informed the Chinese \, M . T the new agreement' with i«mg ° although the Jap\ [at Nanking had t the Note rejecting Japan’s demand/ | was China's final and irrevocabl I word,”