A Japanese Set-Back The jubilant Chinese claims that the Japanese
forces on the South Yangtze have suffered an overwhelming defeat at Teian, losing 20,000 men, have not yet been confirmed ; but the Japanese themselves have withdrawn their assertion to have captured Teian earlier in the week. Even more signifi- cant perhaps are the reports, fully confirmed, that in North China, especially Shantung and East Hopei, the Japanese have completely lost control of the occupied areas, which are overrun by Chinese guerillas. Thus the combined struggle of the Chinese regulars on the Yangtze and the irregulars in North China is still capable of producing successful results ; this view is perhaps confirmed by the news that on Wednesday Japan, with 30,000 troops, invaded South China at Bias Bay, 3o miles from Hong-kong. Her purpose, it was officially explained, was to deal " a more effective blow " at Chiang Kai-shek, and prevent the organisation of assistance from Hong-kong. The statement appears to imply that, as the facts themselves show, even Japan's rapid advance up the Yangtze has so far been ineffective to achieve her main purpose ; and her new blow may recoil upon herself, because by adding yet another to the theatres of war she is placing a dangerous strain upon her resources.
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