No great changes have occurred in the Sino-'Japanese military situation in Southern Shantung despite recent reports of the decisive nature of the engagement and the expectancy of major developments, General Liv Tsung-Jen, Kwangs! strategist in charge of Chinese operations, is probably quite correct when he states that the critical period is not yet over, for it is hardly Ukely that the Japanese, suffering one Feverse, should not exert every endeavour to correct it in a campaign in which the ebb and flow must be great now that the point of penetration is so deep in the country. Chinese Feports, although reflecting the flush of victory, also reflect the knowledge that the Japanese fensive will be intensified and the fierce character of the fighting in Shantung, especially. around Taierchwang and Toncheng, illustrates the point. 'These same reports also believe that some move is being developed by the Japanese for the capture of Hsuchowfu, and reinforcements are being assembled to counteract any such thrust for there is no denying' the seriousness of Japanese intentions in this direction, That important military developments are not far off is now without doubt for a definite challenge has been made and must be settled unless a war of indefinite length is to be waged. On the part of the Japanese, it might be said that guerilla operations are proving a dificult obstacle. for on every hand there are these minor operations which mean immediate treatment made difficult owing to the impoverishment of forces at several points in order to strengthen the main forees in Shantung without calling on reserves {rom Japan. The next few days should produce important results as far as this advanced state in the hostilities is concerned.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.