Sunday, 17 November 1929

Manchuria:  

The Soviet invasion continues, with warplanes bombing trains and railroad stations near Manzhouli for 10 straight hours.  Manchurian forces trapped at Manzhouli attempt to break out – some succeed, but are harried by machine gun fire from Russian planes.  Russian aircraft also bomb Manchurian reserves at Tsagan and Nuanchun.  In eastern Manchuria, the Soviets have occupied Mishan, and Russian cavalry are reported roaming the vicinity. 

Red Army forces also launch an attack about 1 a.m. on entrenched Manchurian forces at Dalai Nor, about 30 miles east of Manzhouli.  At daybreak, warplanes join the effort, bombing the railway station, coal mines and workers’ houses.  Mongolian cavalry are said to be aiding the soviets.

 Sino-Soviet Border Clash of 1929

Berlin:  

The city holds elections for its municipal government posts today.  The polling is plagued by violence: in one place, communists beat a socialist to death, and more than 330 people are arrested city-wide for election–related violence.  Tonight, the election results start coming in.  With Germany's economic suffering worsening in the growing global economic downturn, the political parties that gain the most are those of the extremes.  The communists get 56 seats in the 225-seat Berlin Municipal Assembly, a gain of 13.  The nazis win 13 seats total – the first time they have held any seats in the Berlin assembly.  Joseph Goebbels becomes their floor leader.

Meanwhile, more bad economic news comes in: a report shows unemployment is higher by 200,000 than a year ago. 

China:  

In the civil war, nationalist government forces are reportedly repulsed at Tengfeng, while in Hupeh, seven garrisons of troops reportedly join the rebellion.