Hankow, Jan, 7.
The news of the fall of Tsining, 80 miles north-west of Kweiteh, has occasioned much surprise and indignation here, as the evacuation of the town may affect the Chinese defence along the entire Lunghai Railway front.
After the withdrawal from Tsinan, the troops of General Han Fu-chu, Governor of Shantung, were ordered þto hold Tsining at any cost, in order to protect the left flank of the Chinese forces holding Hsuchowfu. General Han Fu-chu was rumoured to have indicated that he was unable io hold Tsining, as "he could mot held Tsinanfu."
To thi General Li Tsung-jen, Commander-in-Chief of the 5th War Zone, is stated to have replied: "You never tried to hold Tsinanfu,"
The J occupation of Tsining brings them within striking distance of Kweiteh, west of Hsuchowfu—Reuter.
Turner's condition at the time was such that he had to be treated by a physician. He was reported recovering yesterday.
It is understood that, besides reports to high officials in the Shanghai Municipal Police, a report on the incident has been made to the Briti Consul-General
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.