WAR IN CHINA.

Feilding Star, Volume 5, Issue 1127, 15 June 1927, Page 5

WAR IN CHINA.

POSITION RE-VIEWED. * a. TROOPS DESERTING. NEGOTIATIONS TAKING PLACE. (Aust. and N.Z. Cable). (British Official Wireless). Rugby-: .Tune 13. Reviewing the military situation in China. Mr G. Loeker-Lampson. Secretary of Foreign Affairs, said that the latest reports show that the Northern forces, about ISO,OOO strong, are holding the line from Lin Cheng, nii the Tientsin-Pukow line, thence to the bend of the Yellow river, north-east of Kai-Eong, continuing along the north bank of the Yellow river to the north-west of Changehow, with a defensive west flank on the Pckin-Hankow railway. The Southerners are in louch with the Northerners in most places, and are reorganising their forces on the Lung Xai line for n further advance. The strongth of their combined armies is. roughly. 130,00 P.

The Fengtien troops are receiving reinforcements from Manchuria and appear to bo in good morale. The Shantung troops are deserting plentifully to the enemy, and the TientsinRukow line remains the weak spot. The defence of Shantung now rests on a few hundred Russians, who are concentrated on the Southern border. The Nationalists are advancing slowly from the South, but a more rapid advance is reported from the west converging on Yenchmv. At the same time it is reported that negotiations are going on between the North and South, but the position in this respect 4s doubtful

Sun Gbuan-Fang’s troops arc ro.ported to be retreating towards the Shantung border. Yen Hsi Shan. Military Governor of Shansi, has declared his allegiance to the Nationalists. No great change has taken place as regards the military situation around Hankow. Kiukiang has been occupied by troops owing to its allegiance to Cliiang Kin Slick, and his forces have now advanced above that town.