The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-11-05

troops in the battle district, but it was believed endorsements would be sent northward from Taonan because the Chinese force, led by General Ma Chan-Shan. was said to total around 5000 men.
 The Japanese version of the be- ginning of the battle was that the Chinese forces approached them at 2 ?. m. Wednesday carrying a white flag. When at close quarters, the Chinese were alleged to have opened ire.
 Chinese endorsements then came up and the Japanese troops were reported in a serious position, although they were heavily armed with machine guns. The Chinese had some 20 cannon.
 Prior to the battle the Japanese had said their troops would not advance north of the bridge, al- though it was admitted that patrols might have been sent out as a pre- caution. No definite military cam paign was intended in the Tsttsihar area. however, officials said.
 The Nonni river battle raised the possibility of serious complica- tions with Soviet Russia, which has joint control of the Chinese east ern railroad and of Tsitshirar, bath Japan and Russia have made definite efforts to avoid g clash of interests. They have been reported in agreement as to their action in the district.
 The fighting centered near the Nonni river bridge of the Taonan- anganki railroad, in which Japan has major interests, This bridge. in Heilungkiang province, lies some 30 miles south of the Chinese east ern railroad. Tsitsihar is shorter distance north of the Chinese east ern.
 The Taonan-Anganki line and the Chinese eastern cross at An- ganki, near Tsitsihar, and the scene of fighting was understood to be some miles south of Anganki, near the town of Ipuchih.
 Japanese officials discounted the possibility of a Japanese advance northward as far as Tsitsihar, al- though it was admitted that the outcome of the Nonni battle was unpredictab1e.
 There were unconfirmed rumors that the Japanese had been forced to retire from the railroad bridge AILGT TGDehICu htLdCho ny thO As~A Q CT Chinese force, which had been concentrated at Ipuchih when 1t first was encountered by Japanese patrols moving north of the bridge.
 The conflict in the Nonni district, directly involving Soviet Russia in Japanese occupation of Manchuria, began more than a week ago when Japanese aviators bombed the rail- road bridge. They said they had been fired on by troops of Ma Chang Hseuh-Liang, ruler of Man. churia, and foe of Japanese occu- patton.
 The Japanese demanded that 7 Chinese repair the bridge on threat of military reprisals. Ma Chan Shan rallied forces in Heilungkiang province and refused. Two days ago Japanese engineers undertook the repair work, protected by 800 troops. Clashes with Chinese be- gan almost from the first. They rapidly became more serious.
 TolxiO Expects War
 Tokio, Nov 5-(UP)-Danger of grave complications with Soviet Russia as a result of the Japanese battle with Chinese in the Nonni railroad bridge area was feared to- day in diplomatic circles.
 Reports Of Soviet assistance given Manchurian troops of Gen. eral Ma Chan Shan have been cir- culated persistently in govern mental sources. Some foreign mill think Ma Chan-Shan would not at- itary attaches were inclined to tack the Japanese troops unless as- sured of outside aid.
 Soviet officials, however, repeat edly have denied aiding the Chi >nese in Manchuria and warned Ma Chan-Shan not to antagonize the Japanese. .
 Tho latest fighting was expected to prompt the Japanese to increase their support of Gen Chan Hai- Peng, Manchurian war lord who has opposed Chang Hsueh-Lianug. ruler of Manchuria and ally of China.
 A telegram sent by General Ma Chan-Shan to Hsueh-hang at Peiping was intercepted and re- layed to Tokio. In 1t Ma Cham Shan reported the Japanese troops had been fired upon and forced to retire. The telegram charged that the Japanese were preparing to oc- CuDy tu6 pIOVAuSO eAhAu sAos AAO "~~N' ready to defend it ito the last drop of blood"
 Capital Seeks Peace
 Washington. November 5-(UP) - The official attitude of the American government. toward the Japanese Chinese quarrel in Man churia as stated authoritatively to- day, is to work through diplomatic channels to support general efforts to preserve peace.
 The official who made the state ment of policy refused to amplify 1t or to discuss the present situa- ton in Manchuria, where Chinese and Japanese are reported to be fighting over Japanese efforts to repair a railroad bridge across the Nonni River.
 The state department today had no official report regarding the fighting. Officials said their only additional information was in the form of a telegram from Consul General George B. Hanson. at Har- bin, who visited Tsitishar. just north of the Nonni River bridge. last Sunday.
 Hanson stated specifically that there were no Japanese troops Tn Tsitishar, a town within the Rus sian sphere of influence. when he was there. Hanson's telegram was