Chungking, Dec. 12.
A distinct feeling of optimism pre-valls in Chinese circles here, following reports of an alleged "more favour-fable. turn in the international situation as regards China," as dispatches incom London and Washington, it is considered, foreshadow more material assistance to China, There is also a likelihood of the [Powers adopting a stronger stand regarding the relation of Japan to their trade interests in Ching, it is considered.
Chinese~ circles, specially, are watching London, as it is generally' Jeonsidered here that the future policy fof the British Government will have a tremendous bearing on the outcome of the Sino-Japanese hostilities.
This affords a distinct contrast 10 the feeling of pessimism which prevailed here a month ago, when it was thought that China was "deserted by the Friendly Powers"
The Japanese advance in the northwest is being held up due to the unusually warm weather which has kept the Yellow River from freezing, according to Chinese reports received here today from north Shansi Province.
If the river were ice-bound, the reports explain, it would faci Japanese crossing and also the-trans: portation of mechanized units, artil-ery snd supplies across the river-—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.