Hankow, Apr. 28, With the preparations of the Chi nese forces for a decisive battle completed, the outcome of the Japanese drive in South Shantung 19 expected by Chinese quarters here to be known within three to five days.
Villages east of Taierchwang, where the fighting has been very severe, are said to have been reduced to ashes. East of Taierchwang, the Chinese are holding a line running through Sihuangshihshan, Chaocheng, Fushan and Kashan, while north of Taierchwang the line runs through Chia-chia pu, Slaochi, ~Wangehang, Liuchwang, Changlou, Lenghentien, ¥aochiaochwang and Takwanchang.
The Chinese are also holding a position at Ngohushan, west of Yih-Sion, while south of Yihsien the Chinese line touches Nalshan, Panputien, Teetsing and Shihchiao, Fighting is taking place both west and north of Tancheng. A severe engagement is reported to te in progress at Changluchiao, east of Han-shan, the objective of the Japanese forees which advanced inland after their recent landing at Hobsien, on. the Yangtze,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.