IN THE FAR EAST

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20919, 26 September 1939, Page 8

IN THE FAR EAST

ADVANCE OF JAPANESE SEVERAL TOWNS BOMBED CLAIMS BY CHINESE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) SHANGHAI, Sept. 24 The Japanese claim to have advanced down the Canton-Hankow railway to within 50 miles of Changsha, the attack on which from Nanchang is being continued. The Chinese claim to have prevented Japanese air, land and naval attacks from developing into a largescale offensive from the Yangtse River. They decalre that the Japanese attempt to land troops 60 miles north of Changsha under a bombardment by gunboats was repulsed with the destruction of 30 landing boats and many of the occupants. According to a message from Chungking the Chinese report that Japanese aeroplanes raided the coastline of the Fukein Province, south of Foochow, and bombed Fuelling, Pingtien, Putien and Changlo. British and Japanese troops exchanged fire at 3.30 a.m. today on the border of the British concession in Tientsin after the Japanese had fired on three sampans attempting to run the blockade in order to avoid being trapped by receding flood waters. Firing By British Soldier A British patrol rushed to the concession boundary when they heard the firing by the Japanese. A bullet passed over their heads and a British soldier fired one round, after which firing ceased. There were no casualties. Heavy fighting and aerial activity are reported along 200 miles of the east to west fronts and 100 miles of the north to south fronts. Simultaneously, the peace offensive is being intensified through propaganda in support of the new Government under Wang Ching-weL DRIVE ON CHANGSHA 20,000 CASUALTIES REPORTED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 26, 11 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Sept. 25 Chinese and .Japanese reports estimated that 20,000 soldiers have been killed in the drive on Changsha. The Japanese claimed to have advanced within 25 miles of the city, contradicting the earlier report. Each claimed that the other’s casualties were 10,000.