Hankow, May, 25, Then Wuhan cities are not- unduly disturbed at recent developments on the Lunghai Railway, it is maintained in Chinese circles "here, and the Japanese threat to Hankow is not expected to take serious shape for at least several months, The fate of Chengchow, the Chinese believe, will probably be the frst signal for anxiety here, but a number of major battles, they declare, may be expected before then, There is much speculation in Chinese circles regarding Japanese intentions, but it seems most likely that they will endeavour to synchronize their advance down the Peiping-Hankow Railway with naval opera-lions onthe Yangtze, where the booms across the river still await penetration, Concern is felt at the fate of the millions of pounds worth of foreign property at Hankow, which must be jeopardized if the Japanese arrive, Chinese circles believe that it hardly likely that this strategic cen-ire, with its corridor to Canton, will be relinquished without a bitter struggle.
"At the same time, the annual flood. threat, which is due shortly, may prove an important factor and, if it is of a serious nature, is bound to embarrass Japanese military opera-throughout Hupeh, it is pointed
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