Vatican City, Oct. 26.
"One may hope that a stronger, more glorious China will emerge from today's defeat," the Vatican's semi-official news organ, "Osservatore Romano", commented today upon the most recent Japanese victories in the Sino-Japanese hostilities.
The Chinese forces displayed unexpectedly stubborn resistance, which is high honour for the army despite its very serious tactical mistakes.
"We wish to express impartial hope for our Far Eastern brethren; that the fall of Hankow will mark the end of the conflict," the newspaper added.
"Too much blood has been shed, ioo many are the victims of war's horrors, too many innocent women and children have lost their lives in the conflict between two brother nations.
"Let this blood seal a durable and salutary understanding, which should provide the Far East and Europe with lasting peace and prosperity."—Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.