A significant change in the tactics of the Japanese forces is observed in dispatches reaching here, from the front.
Hitherto the Japanese have retrained from attacking strongly fortified Chinese positions, it is claimed, in order to avoid losses.
Recently, however, in the fighting at Juichang and at Singtze on the south bank of the Yangtze the Japanese stormed Chinese defences in the hills apparently determined to gain territory at any cost.
This was also noticed during the operations at Kwangtsi and Shanchen on the north bank of the River.
It is opined that the reason for this change in tactics is due to Japan's eagerness to capture Hankow as early as possible.
It is understood that the Japanese are predicting the fall of Hankow before October 10, when they expect to establish an amalgamated government over all China, However, well-informed observers here are confident of the ability of the Chinese to hold Hankow at least for two more months and possibly longer.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.