DISQUIETING REPORTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1927, Page 7

DISQUIETING REPORTS.

LOOTING AND EXECUTION. (Received 1.30 p.m.) SHANGHAI. February 24. A few of the retreating Cun Cliuanfang troops have arrived by train from the front.

Shantung troops are arriving by train from Nanking. Their destination is believed to be the Sungklang front. Every precaution is Wing taken to keep the troops outside the settlement boundaries. All foreigners living more or less isolated outside the extended settlement limits are being brought in in case of eventualities in view of the arrival of Sun's retreating troops. Disquieting reports have reached officials to the effect that Sun Chuan-fang's men are looting rice and silk shops 20 miles south-westward, and many soldiers have been executed by order of their own leaders in an effort to maintain discipline in the face of the southern advance, which effort, if it continues, may become a race between Chan Chung-chat: and the Nationalists for Shanghai. Three thousand Shantting troops an now here from Nanking. It is under stood that 5000 will be coming daily within the next few days for the defence of Shanghai. Chang Chrng-chans has now taken over complete military control of Kiangsu.

MOB LAW. RESTRAINED BY PUNJABIS. (Received 12 noon.) PEKING, February 24. Roads separating the International Settlement and the native city were black with Chinese attempting to take ! refuge in the settlement at Shanghai, but barricades prevented them. The Punjabis took up their stations on the settlement border last night and prevented a mob of 100 strong, armed with pistols and iron bars, from getting further than fiercely attacking the native police station, capturing a policeman and injuring another so severely that he is not expected to live. Chinese police reinforcements captured two ringleaders and beheaded them to-day. NOT ALARMING. (Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 24. The absence of news of the shelling of Shanghai is welcomed in official circles. The silence is considered as confirmation of the view that the incidents need not be regarded with any alarm. Official reports of happenings are not expected unless there is something grave vitally affecting settlement.