Washington, Apr. 16.
Mr. Nelson T. Johnson, United States Ambassador to China, will leave for China on May 1, it was learned last night.
The disclosure ended unconfirmed rumours that opposition to Mr. Johnson by certain American interests in China might result in his transfer to another post.
Informed quarters denied that Mr. Johnson's sudden return to China was in any way linked with the transfer of the U.S. Fleet to the Pacific coast on short notice. It was admitted, however, that his" vacation in the United States has been curtailed by the State Department because of rising tension, particularly between the United States and Japan.
Mr. Johnson at present is on holiday on a ranch in Wyoming. State Department circles said he would return to Washington for a final conference with the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, before sailing for China.—United Press.
Peiping, Apr. 16.
London, Apr. 16.
FFICIAL Japanese dispatches received here indicated that there According to well-informed circles here, measures against air raids have was no relaxation in the Chinese offensive in North China. been taken in G.braltar. Out of the They report severe fighting in three battle areas in South Shansi, total population in Gibraltar of and also continued fighting in South Kaifeng.
Japanese planes 17,000, 12,000 will be sheltered in a have reported that Chinese reinforcements from Chengchow are at present being completed, e rest in special caves dug moving towards the Kaifeng area.
Fighting is also said to be in in rocks. progress north-west of Shihchiachwang, near the East border of The Ast Battalion The Welch Guard Shansi.—Reuter. will leave England soon for Gibraltar, where there sre the King's Own Chungking, Apr. 16. in Shanghai between Sir Archibald Regiment, one battalion of the Chinece successes on various fronts Clark Kerr, British Ambassador to Somerset Light Infantry, a regiment were claimed by a Chinese military
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.