Tokyo, Aug. 17.
Enumerating thirteen" "eases which freight trains carrying Japanese military' supplies on the 'CER. were wrecked anvl Tater attacked by bandits, the War Ofice. in a lengthy communique to-day, attributed mishaps to careful plotting by. Com: the finnnists, in the employ of the rail: way. The accidents took place "be-{ween April and July this year.
The military cited three points in support of their contention, these 1. Only freight trains carrying! [Japanese military. supplies oF troops Were wrecked.
Bandits immediately opened Sre on the upturned wagons and, In some instances, set them on fire The CER. telephone lines were cut but the special Hines used for the dispatching of trains were left intact.
"Action Against Criminals"
The last point, in particular, was stressed in the communique "as evidence that persons with a thorough knowledge of the CER'. operating, system were directing the sabotage.
The cutting of the telephone lines prevented the Japanese and Manchou-Kuo authorities to call for help, but the despatch lines were left untouched s0 as to prevent accidents to passenger {rains which might carry Comnfnisis, the communique intimates.
The War Office also denied the allegation that Japan was. actuated bby'a desire to seize the railway Permitting Manchoukuo to arrest the seventeen. Soviet employees of the line, declaring that it was only natural for the Manchu authorities to seize those whom they believed to be responsible for the accidents.
'This, it, was pointed out, "is merely a step taken by Manchotkuo police against' a group of erimingis:"—Rengo, able to make the following report:
On May 2, 1983, the Soviet Gov-agreed "to meet Japan ahd choulluo halfway by accepting goods Jernment, actuated by the desire to the amount of two-thirds, and not Fadically to eliminate sources one-half, of the purchase price. possible conflicts with Japan, in-'The Soviet Government had every formed the Japanese Government ight to expect that this offer would that the Soviet Union was ready to duly meet with favourable response sell the Chinese Eastern Railway to and lead to successful conclusion of Japan or to Manchoukuo, On June negotiations, Nevertheless, Int. Hirota 26, 1983, the conference was opened Geclined also this offer of the Soviet
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.