COUNTER-ATTACK

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20735, 20 February 1939, Page 7

COUNTER-ATTACK

ON HAINAN ISLAND REPULSE OF THE JAPANESE CHINA RESISTS STRONGLY (United Pres* Assn.— nee. Tsl. Cooyrlttt) (Received Feb. 20, 11 a.m.) CHUNGKING, Feb. 1# A wireless message from Hainan Island reports that the Chinese are strongly resisting occupation by the Japanese. Vigorous counter-attacks have been launched over a wide area, threatening the recapture of several towns. LONDON, Feb. 19 Reuters’ Chungking correspondent says that the Chinese repulsed the Japanese attempt to land on Hainan at the mouth of the Yungan River, in Talc how Bay. Warships approached on February 17 and made a reconnaissance. They withdrew during the night, but reappeared at dawn on February 18 and crossed a boom at the harbour entrance, landing a party from four motor-boats.

They were driven back by the Chinese, whose batteries opened a two-hour battle with the warships, which then withdrew. TOKIO, Feb. 19

With a view to securing peace and order on Hainan Island the Japanese military officials are establishing Chinese police bureaux in the two largest northern towns, Haikow and Kiunlshan.

MINISTER BHOT DEAD

OUTRAGE BY TERRORISTS PUPPET GOVERNMENT HEAD (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 20, 11.10 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Feb. 19 Terrorists shot dead Mr Chen Lo, Foreign Minister in the Japanese puppet government at Nanking. THE JAPANESE ARMY MUST BE BUILT UP EVERY MAN A SOLDIER (United Press Assn.—Elec. T6l. Copyright) TOKIO, Feb. 18 The Minister of War, LieutenantGeneral Itagaki, in the Diet, said the Army must be build up in quality and quantity. The future might demand that every Japanese become a feoldier. There was also a need to improve Japan’s armaments and tactics.

BRITISH AMBABBADOR

TOUR OF INSPECTION OUTSTANDING ISSUES DISCUSSED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 20, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 19

A message from Tsingtao states that the British Ambassador arrived on H.M.S. Birmingham in the course of a tour of inspection of North China, and had three hours’ discussion with the Japanese Consul-General in reference to measures for the settlement of outstanding Sino-Japanese issues, after which the Ambassador left for Shanghai.

CLAIMS BY CHINESE

CONTROL OF MOST TERRITORY

(United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright)

CHUNGKING, Feb. 18

An official Chinese report declares that the sphere of the Japanese occupation does not extend beyond the glitter of their bayonets. The Chinese still control 92 per cent, of the territory in the nine Northern and Central Provinces which Japan has invaded. The Japanese mostly control only country seats, the countryside remaining in Chinese civil and military hands.

'* BRITISH MISSIONARIES

PLANS FOR EVACUATION

STRANDED ON A MOUNTAIN

(United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright)

SHANGHAI, Feb. 18

Lieutenant - Commander Stafford, commander of the British gunboat Ladybird, and Lieutenant-Commander Jeffs, commander of the United States gunboat Oahu, have left Kiukiang to evacuate 80 British and American missionaries and patients who are stranded in a sanatorium on top of Ruling mountain (3500 feet). They will travel 25 miles on foot. Ruling is surrounded by Chinese, against whom the Japanese intend to launch an offensive after the evacuation of the stranded people, for which purpose both sides have offered the naval officers safe conduct.