Tancheng

SHANGHAI, (AP) An inspired Chinese army claimed capture of Matowchen, walled town four miles northwest of Tancheng, as continued “rapid progress” was reported today in erasing the second big Japanese offensive in South Shantung province.

Matowchen was considered by Chinese commanders the key to Tancheng, which had become the southernmost point of the Japanese advance toward the Lunghai railway, 15 miles away.