Hankow, Apr. 25.
The Japanese offensive in south Shantung which is being carried on over a 50 kilometres front from the Lingyi-Tsaochwang road southwards in the direction of the Lunghai Railway was in full swing yesterday.
The Chini however, offered stubborn resistance to the Japanese advance, Chinese reports here declare. which claim that they have succeeded in recapturing Szehucheh which had been taken by the Japanese on Saturday afternoon.
The Chinese likewise claim to have recaptured Chuchou, situated about ten kilometres south-west of Lingyi.
The Japanese are simultaneously continuing their attempts in Yihsien to break the belt of Chinese troops surrounding them in order to be able to advance south-eastwards and unite with the Japanese troops coming from Lingyi. Also at Hanchwang fighting is stated to be exceedingly bitter. The Japanese continuously used their artillery to bombard the Chinese positions on the south bank of the Grand Canal, The Lunghai Railway was overloaded yesterday with Chinese troop transport trains. Military observers conclude from this procedure that in the next few days the Chinese will expert their entire strength in the attempt to hold up the Japanese advance in order to shield the Lunghai Railway.—Trans-Ocean.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.