Tientsin, Dec. 15 "REAPS calling themselves the army of the "Eastern Hopei Autonomous Council," Mr.
Yin Ju-keng's government at Tungchow, to-day invaded Tangku and for a time were in possession of the Public Safety Bureau.
Later, the invaders withdrew to the railway station while their commanders, Chao Lei and Li Hai-tien, conferred with Japanese military officers.
It appeared they intend to take possession of the important strategic port of Tangku as soon as Gen. Shang Chen's troops depart for Paotingfu, The 29th Army, General Shang's troops, has already received orders to evacuate.
Two of the soldiers of the so-called Tungchow Government were killed and one wounded in a clash with Gen. Shang Chen's troops, who were. possession of the town. The clash was represented later os being the Fesult of a misunderstanding. A Japanese army spokesman here explained that Gen, Shang and Mr. Yin Juskeng had reached an agreement regarding the occupation of Tangku, which is claimed as part of the territory of the Tungchow Council. However, Gen, Shang is stid to have Jenchiu has been settled speedily, but do not disclose the methods whereby this was achieved. "Reports concerning the arrest of magistrates Jand the seizure of Government offices by the rebels are denied. Japanese reports assert that troops belonging to Gen. Shang Chen intervened and suppressed the autonomists, Chinese reports state that autonom~ sts are active in Chinghsien and Anhsiohsien, but add that the situation Is not serious—Reuter, Threat to K.M.A.
Chao Lei, com: chow trocgs, gave Mr. Wu Long-tu. chief of the Public Safety Bureau Monday invading at Tonghu, notice to evacuate by troops, approximately 200, were billeted to-night at various hotels.
"Three hundred of General Shane's men, the force occupying Tangku until to-day, withdrew late in the day to Koku, Representatives of the Tungchow group expect thelr_men to complete occupation of the place, without further disturbances, Monday, The importance of Tangku is insed at the present season because the freezing and silling of the Haiho make It the port of Tientsin, vessels to approach nearer the
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.