Sunday, 13 October 1929: Soviet Action Again Near Khabarovsk

Manchuria:  

SOVIET FORCES ATTACK MANCHURIA SOUTHWEST OF THE RUSSIAN TOWN OF KHABAROVSK.  In one of the largest strikes of the border conflict so far, 800 Russian troops cross the Amur River late tonight under covering artillery fire and occupy the town of Linkianghsien, at the confluence of the Amur and Sungari rivers, in Manchuria.  The soviets reportedly began artillery bombardment of the Manchurian side of the river on October 11, intensifying it late tonight in advance of the incursion.  One report says the Russians sank three Manchurian gunboats, drowning all 500 crewmen.  Manchurian/Chinese forces have reportedly been harassing Russian river traffic, laying mines and shooting at passing boats.  This attack is a reprisal.

At Lahasusu, according to official dispatches, Chinese troops are in disorderly retreat from advancing Soviet forces, which are pursuing them deep into Manchurian territory and harassing them with artillery fire.  The retreating Chinese reportedly plunder stores along the way.

Nagoya, Japan:  

Prime Minister Osachi Hamaguchi, in a speech at a political rally of his party, says he hopes the London Naval Conference, to which his country recently accepted its invitation, will achieve not only limitations in navies, but actual reduction.  Under existing naval treaty, Japan is allowed 60% as many capital naval ships as Great Britain and the United States.  "We don't resent the assignment to Japan of naval ratios inferior to those of Great Britain and America.  But that ratio must not fade below the minimum requirements for the safety of the empire.  We hope the disarmament problem is entering a brighter phase."  He says such an outcome would "keep faith with the spirit of world peace and lighten the taxation load of all peoples."

Osachi Hamaguchi