澳洲報刊有關桂係報導選(6)

澳洲報刊有關桂係報導選(6)

【說明：下麵這篇報道披露，1938年10月日軍在廣東登陸後，李宗仁曾力陳返回廣西，擬指揮兩廣部隊迎擊日軍的侵略。這在以往的資料中未曾見到這種說法，故予以選登於下。當然，其中對李宗仁出身的描述(受過德國訓練)，似訛傳之故，望讀者明察。】

TAKEN BY JAPAN CANTON IN FEAR
CITIZENS FLEE

"The Argus" Independent Cable Service

HONG KONG, Friday.

    Japanese tanks and mechanised troops reached the streets of Canton this afternoon. The first line of defence crumbled last night, and the Government decided to evacuate the city as the only means of sparing it the horrors of destruction.

    Panic-stricken crowds have been storming the railway station in Canton, and men, women, and children have been fighting for standing room m packed carriages. It is estimated that more than 600,000 persons have already left the city.

    Those who remain fear that the Japanese will soon cut the railway between Canton and Hankow, after which the only exit would be west- ward to Kwangsi province by way of Samshuhsian.

    The British and French authorities in the Shameen concession are guarding the approaches from the city against a possible inrush of refugees.

    A hundred thousand Chinese are marching from Kwangsi to relieve Canton, but they will not reach the battle-front for three days.

Forts Captured

    The Japanese claim to have captured Shengwongtau, 12 miles north-east of the inner fortifications of Canton.

    They also claim to have taken Tayeh, 45 miles from Hankow.

    General Li Chung-jen, who commands the Chinese forces along the Yangtsekiang front, has sent a telegram to the Chinese generalissimo (General Chiang Kai-shek) pleading to be relieved of his command so that he may leave for Canton. "I want to go to my beloved south," he says, "to take over the command and defence of the southern capital."

    General Li, who has been trained by German officers, was formerly commander in Kwangsi province He is reputed to be the best strategist in the Chinese Army.

The Argus, Saturday 22 October 1938, p.1.