Canton, Feb. 7. Although several rumours are still circulating regarding the Japanese threat to South China, the excitement Which followed the proclamation of martial law during the week-end ha died down considerably One of several sensational reports still circulating to-day is that three divisions of Japanese troops have arrived in South China waters from Formosa and may carry out operations before Wednesda:
Interviewed by Reuter, General Wu Te-chen, Governor of Kwangtung, said: "I have also heard this rumour, but my information is that the situa ion has improved rather than otherwise."
The Japanese troops which were landed on Chikiau Island, near Tong-kwan, yesterday morning, he added. had been withdrawn Other authoritative sources here point out that the frequent Japanese bombardments of and landings on points in Kwangtung should not be interpreted as a major offensive. In any event, add, the Chungshan the district ately prepared for is aden such an invasion. s a precautionary measure, the Chinese military authorities are refusing to permit river vessels to pass the boom at the mouth of the Pearl River.
The withdrawal of Japanese troops from Chikiau Island seems to confirm earlier suppositions that the landing was purely for reasons of exercise. While the troops were ashore, seven Japanese warships remained in the vicinity of the island, but they carried out no further bombardment of the coast.—Rueter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.