Tsinan, Mar. 25.
In a surprise attack, a Japanese unit yesterday effectively checked the attempted thrust of a Chinese column into Japanese-controlled area in southern Shantung.
The Chinese force, consisting of Szechuen troops and of men commanded by General Kuan Lincheng, was northward from Taieichuang. Following a ŝanguinary engagement, the Chinese column, according to reports received here, retreated in disorder, leaving numerous dead on the battlefield.
Japanese air reconnaissance units General Tzu-chung's troops reported yesterday afternoon that
were retreating towards Linyi from Hsiangcheng, thirty Kilometres north of Taiei-chuang.—Domei. way, north of Hsuchowfu, on the south bank of the Grand Canal, north of Hanchwang, was now secure, the report said following the arrival of crack Central Government divisions commanded by General Tang En-po, who distinguished himself in the defence of Nankow Pass last August, General Tang's divisions were taking over front line positions from the Szechuen divisions, which had suffered heavy casualties in the fighting during the past fortnight along the railway. These had now retired to the rear for rest and reorganization.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.