The Chinese have consolidated iheir positions on the Shanghai-Nanking Railway front following the arrival of fresh troops, according to Chinese reports received here to-day.
The Chinese are now said to be holding a line about ninety miles in length, extending from Hupukow, on the Yangtze, to Chapoo, on Hangchow Bdy, via Changshu, Chengyi, Tsinpu, Kashing and Pinghu.
The collapse of the Quinsan-Tai-tsang line, Chinese sources state, was entirely due to the failure of the former Manchurian troops of General Liu To-chuan, who was in command of the sector, to carry out orders. When the Japanese were concentrating their main force for an attack on the Kashing-Kashan line, it is stated, Huangtu, on the Shanghai-Nanking Railway, became a quiet sector, and the former Manchurian troops, known as poor fighters, were ordered to defend it.
General Liu's troops, however, according to Chinese reports, not. only did not fight, but never even went io Huangtu, "thereby enabling the Japanese forces to break through the Chinese line without opposition."
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