Hsuchow, Mar. 3.
Tightening their lines in a pincer Jmovement from north and south, [Japanese detachments were attempting today to encircle 60,000 Chinese troops of the S7th and 9th Brigades fond guerillas in north-eastern Kiangs province, according to field dispatches.
Executing a wide detour, one Japan-jose detachment was advancing south lof Hwaiyin, north of Chinkiang, in Jorder to launch a frontal attack on large Chinese force retreating south-Jeast of the town.
Another Japanese detachment Jsmashed through Chinese lines. north-Jeast of Sutien on the Grand Canal in north-western Kiangsu, Sul other [Japanese uriis were advancing against X! the Chinese by water in an attempt to close the circle and prevent their retreat, 'A pivot position of the Chinese forces in this sector was threatened lby Japanese troops marching along, the "Lunghai Railway. The Chinese [were said to be disorganized as a result of the rapid Japanese advance, Fighting tu the South Shanghai, Mar. 4 Assistance of the Japanese—naval air arm was extended to surface units the Pearl River and on. Hal Island on March 1, a Japanese naval spokesman announced yester~ day. evening.
Chinese positions along the North River in Kwangtung were bombed, while reconnaissance and attack mis-scans were carried out on Hainan Island, ce-operating with surface forces engaged in mopping up operations, the spokesman said.
'Bombing operations were else carried out on' March 1 against rail way stations at Swatow and at Chaochow on" Wednesday, when
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