Nanchang, Jan, 15.
Although the capture of Tungku, south-east of Kian in Kiangsi took place at the end of December details of what happened ther are only now coming to hand.
December 20 the new Sth'
Division of Government troops under Kung Ping-fan captured the city which was the most important stronghold of the Communists. Later in the day the 18th Division under Gen, Chang Hui-chan arrived at Tungku and mistaking Kung' Ping-fan's troops for Reds opened fired on them.
As scon as the misunderstanding was cleared up Kung ent off in pursuit of the fleeing Reds, leaving the defence of Tungku in the hands of Chang Moi-chan's men.
Nine days later, December 29, the Communist forces effected—a. surprise return, surrounded the 18th Division which was having a good time with the funds taken from the Communist bank in the city, and foreely attacked. them. The' government troops were badly' defeated leaving Gen. Chang Hui the hands of the enemy by whom, it is reported, he has since been tortured.
Approximately ' three-fourths.of the 18th Division have either been killed, wounded, taken prisoners or gone over to the Communists.
As soon as the news reached the headquarters of Gen, Lu Ti-ping, the Commander of the 9th Route Army, he telegraphed to Nanchang asking for reinforcements, vowing the would not return to Nanchang until he has eradicated the whole of the Communist menace in the province, 'This defeat of Government forces though severe, has not aroused any'
rin among the general public, there is no war in the north' of. the province at present.
In Nanchang since the New Year, and apparently og a result of the defeat of Gen. Chang" Hui-chan, martial law is enforced every night, and at ten o'clock all places amusement are closed.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.