Barring a number of brisk en-[counters with a few isolated Chinese who had failed to evacuate with the remainder of the Nineteenth Route Army and its associated divisions when they were driven past the Nantiang limite of the Japanese advance, the Japanese forces of oc-Jcupation in this area devoted the day yesterday to clearing their rear and establishing their front line against riy possible Chinese aggression.
While the Chinese official reports yesterday declared that severe fighting had developed around Liuho ESlowiag "ive landing there of the apanese. replacement force, which the Chinese estimate as comprising 35,000 men With tanks and. large bodies of cavalry, these statements fare not credited in. focal foreign itary "circles. The Japanese authorities here have received information "concerning a, combat in that district and state that the only fighting likely to occur there Would be isolated engagements with Small Chinese units along. the Tines of communication, unless the Chi= inched an offensive move-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.