We intend to deliver a crushing blow to the Chinese troops before they have an opportunity to stage a strategic retreat." the oMfcer stated, "However." he remarked, "steps will be taken to avoid bringing the theatre of operations near the Settlement or the Concession.
Major Utsunomiya indicated that from. his "personal observations," about seven Chinese divisions were in the field in and around Shanghai, Four of these divisions constitute the first line of the troops opcrath gainst the Japanese Naval Landing Party.
Major Utsunomiya was reticent garding the proposed extent of Japanese military operations in this area. He also refused to divulge the ame of the general commanding the land forces.
A statement detailing the aims of the Japanese expedition would be made public inthe name of the officer commanding the troops either fon Monday afternoon or early on Tuesday, the emeer declared.
An occasional burst of machine= gun fire, Indicated by the rapid, in= termittent red flashes piercing in'telltale fashion the entire countryside tured to a pale blue, told of the presence of Ghinese troops, Immediately shells began falling in those spots. By the time dawn broke, they had all been silenced, An occasional trench -morlar shell fired from the shore fell with q: harmless "plop" in the water near the ships. The fung was slow, with long intervals in between. as it the Chie hose were cautious not to reveal their positions, Thus, without encountering serious opposition a phase of the long-awaited landing of Japanese troops was end ed. Daybreak found khaki-clad and tin helmeted soldiers steetehing the sea legs and preparing for the get eral advance that was soon to come,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.