Dec. 28.
Reports in responsible Chinese circles state that an important military conference is shortly being held ni the Fengtien headquarters which proposal to withdraw all the Fengtien forces in Shansi will be discussed."
It is stated that all the troops now attacking Shans} are likely to be: withdrawn to railway regions for three reasons: firstly, the serious position of the Ankucehun 'Shantung, secondly, the extreme dif. ficulty of' getting 'x munitions and supplies to the troops in moun-districts during the winter and, thirdly, the unexpected strength of the Shansi defences, which could be broken down only at 1a very big, sacrifice.
The reports add that it is expoctfod that the Fengtien forces will withdraw to Tatung, Pingkankuang, and Shihchiachuang, to the north, feast and south of Chihli, respec tively, The fact that arrangements are being made for the return of Fengtien officers and their families to Peking from the Shansi fronts is
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.