Tokyo, Feb. 13.
Only Chinese Irregulars numbering about' one brigade under the command of Gen. Wang T-ben were defending Hothow, the port of Kiungchow and the biggest town on Hainan slond, when the Japanese forces started their drive, according to a press message from South" China today.
Chinese regular troops, whose jpumerical strength was estimated at Jone division and two brigades and Jwho heretofore were believed 10 have Jdefended Hainan Island under the feommand of Gen, Chang Ta, already nad been moved to the mainland of the Kwangtung-Kwangst border by Jway of Pakhoi following the occupation of Canton, the message stated.
About sixteen militia companies romained on the island at present in Jaddition to a fairly large number of Jarmed farmers. More than 10,000 rifles were reported to have been distributed among the inhabitants, the message sald—Domel.
Chinese Military Dispatches Chungking, Feb, 13.
According to. Chinese military: despatches received here today by
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.