1938-03-31 — Page 4

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DIVISIONS AT TSINGTAO Developments In South Shantung Viewed Gravely

Lincheng Retaken In Violent Counter-Offensive

Hankow, To-day.

The Generalissimo's Headquarters announced this morning that violent Japanese counter-attacks in the Lincheng and Taierchwan gzone have re- sulted in the withdrawal of the Chinese forces from Lincheng, which they captured on March 25.

:

Strong reinforcements were brought up and the Japanese attack, proceeding along the branch railway from Lincheng to Taierchwang, was brought to a halt at Yihsien and Taierchwang. Casualties on both sides were extremely high, and the Japanese losses in re-taking Lincheng were especially severe as they attacked in waves against well-posted machine-gun nests.

Further reinforcements are being sent to this area in anti-

BRITISH CLAIMS cipation of a resumption of the

AGAINST JAPANESE

London, To-day.

Japanese counter-attacks.

It is also intimated that the Chinese forces have been given orders to withdraw from certain exposed positions along the T.PR., and they have abandoned Hanchwang and taken up posi- tions along the southern bank of the Grand Canal.

TACTICAL MANOEUVRE It is explained in official mīli- despatches that these

no

Details concerning British elaims against Japan for repara- tion in respect of damage to Bri- tary tish life and property were re- changes in position represent a vealed by Mr. R. A. Butler, Un- tactical manoeuvre and in der Foreign Secretary, in the sense a retreat since the Japan House of Commons yesterday. ese are firmly enclosed in this He confirmed the report that the sector and cannot get out or re- sum claimed in reparation forceive reinforcements. material damage done on the occa- The gravity with which the sion of shelling of warships and other vessels in the Yangtse on November 5, was £5,000.

Another large sum is claimed in respect of damages done to mem- bers of the British forces.

Japan had already paid £2,421, while there were also thirty-four sundry British claims to a total of £7,190.—Trans-Ocean.

GATEWAY TO DESTRUCTION. February 13 was an unlucky day for the "Leviathan" former United States 48,000 tons liner. On that day she went to her journey's end the shipbreakers yard at Rosyth where workmen of Metal Industries are reducing her to scrap. Photo shows view of the giant liner Leviathan as she lay east of Forth Bridge. Note the streamlined express train pass- ing overhead. (Copyright).

BRITAIN AND FALL IN CHINESE DOLLAR

London, To-day.

In a written reply in the House general situation in the South C Moreing (Conservative, Pres of Commons yesterday to Mr. A. Shantung operations is viewed ton) in regard to the drop in the in Japanese quarters is revealed

value of the Chinese dollar, Mr. by information that the Japan Foreign Affairs, said he was con- R. A. Butler, Under-Secretary for ese have landed more than two

tinuing to watch the matter close- divisions, a total of some 50,000ly with a view to preventing any men, from Japan, at Tsingtao and avoidable difficulties to British intend to rush them to the battle trade. Reuter.

areas in the south of the pro- vince.

CONSTERNATION IN SHANGHAL

Consternation

foreign and Chinseien

day when a Japanese official an- nouncement was made that about 30 explosions would become ble when a

of buildings damaged bombs in the the Sino-Japan

the city itself and in the vicinity of Shanghai, would be blown up.

It is feared that the Japanese intended to destroy, among other ly high, and some reports state the property, several valuable buzi Japanese have lost as many as 5,000 ings in the Civic Centre, bu It is expected, therefore, that dead in this area alone in the course great cost and still capable the intensity of the fighting will of the last two days.-Trans-Ocean. being repaired.

DECISIVE BATTLE

LABOUR DEMANDS be greatly increased and that a

ELECTION

London, To-day.

decisive battle may soon be fought

More troops have reached North China from Japan and two divisions now being concern trated in Tientsin are evidently. intended for a thrust south of Chargteh Trans-Ocean

FIERCE CHARACTER

Shanghai, To-day.

The Labour Opposition has tabled the following vote of censure "That as the foreign policy of His Majesty's Government cannot ar rest the dangerous drift towards war and is inconsistent with their Fighting on the Tientsin- election pledges, the House is of Railway front was still in the opinion that the issue should last evening and was of a be submitted to the country with larly fierce character in out delay British Wireless.

Chang

of

castle

of the branch railway line runs from Lincheng, in easterly direction:

the loss fierce struggle

going on

pang, where

centrated some 50,000

both

des are

Those who know.... Insist on

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