Denial of Assistance from J: japan but Belief that Foreign, Help of Right Sort Would be Welcome and Effective:
Schemes to Robi abilitate Currency Tsinanfu, June 29.
The idea that any planned retreat without fighting was under way by the Northern forees was scoffed at soundly in an interview given by Tupan Chang - Chung-Chang to a representative of the North-China Daily News" a few days ago, in company with correspondents for leading London daily newspapers.
The northern general in spite of] the current rumours as to his rough nature is an imposing figure, standing nearly seven feet in height, and built. in proportion. His stubby moustache and close eropped_ hair add to his appearance which together gives the impression that the Tupan is a 100 per cent. man, the course of his conversation, with the three journalists already mentioned, General Chang described the rumours of a planned retreat sheer fabrication on the part of Nationalist propagandists. He said that a military concentration wa Progress at the present time along] the Kinhan railway with Paotingfu as headquarters. This place well as Tsinan. headquarters. for Shantung, was far behind the lines, Dut it was absolutely false he said to suppose that any withdrawing movement was in progress oF even contemplated, Army Reform Continuing his frank discussion, the northern general pointed out that while the outcome of warfare was never certain, every possibi step was being taken to prevent the Southerners. from reaching either of the bases just mentioned. had reached his ears, he said, that Chiang Kai-shek and Feng' Yuhsiang were now working together in a concerted attack, but as the generals were fundamentally, opposed in ambitions and aims, it was not possible for such a friendship oF alliance to come to anyth a practical working partnership.
As for the Northern campaign, General Chang. pointed out" that! consolidation of their position was at the present time being decided at a conference at Peking. The three chief leaders of the north: forces were effectively cooperate ar he said, a8 a single unit They had communion aim, to wit, the exter ination of communiain, Another interesting feature of the reorg: ization of the northern forces found in the measures now being. taken to cull out all soldiers, too young or too old or otherwise di qualified for service, and to a next step, the whole mi organization upon a thoroughly: stable financial ba General Chang admitted that the! present financial situation in the North owing to the depreciated currency' was bad, but measures which could not be discussed in detail, were being. taken to remedy the' difficulty in question. Under}
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.