FIERCE FIGHTING RESUMED AT SHANGHAI

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22193, 9 September 1937, Page 11

FIERCE FIGHTING RESUMED AT SHANGHAI

Heavy Bombardment by Japanese Batteries

ATTACKERS ADMIT EVACUATION OP YUEH-PU

Ten Additional Chinese Divisions On Soochow Front

N —COPHUGUT./ (Received September 9, 1 a.m.) SHANGHAI, September 8. After Chinese counter-attacks on all fronts throughout the night, the Japanese resumed a heavy bombardment from the fleet and shore batteries. The Japanese, while claiming to have progressed satisfactorily, admit the evacuation of Yueh-pu, five miles from Paoshan. They state this was to release troops to resist the Chinese pressure on Paoshan. A fierce encounter is in progress between the Jukong civic centre and Kaingwan, which, was badly damaged by Japanese shells. The Japanese report that 10 additional Chinese divisions have been thrown into action between Shanghai and Soochow, making their present strength 350,000. A Japanese spokesman commented that the Chinese lacked heavy artillery, but he admitted that they "were pretty good shots," and much improved since 1932. The Japanese from the university sector have linked up with their compatriots at Woosung. The appearance of six Japanese warsftips off the Luichow peninsula has aroused the fear of an impending raid on Hainan Island. The local garrison is feverishly reinforcing from the mainland.

WAR IN NORTH CHINA

Renewed Efforts By Japanese

LITTLE PROGRESS MADE AT SHANGHAI

(Received September 8,2 p.m.) LONDON, September 7. In spite of the intense interest in Shanghai, the conflict in North China remains the principal front. The total troops engaged number 400,000. General Terauchi is believed to be commanding the new Japanese efforts, which must be directed at concentrating sufficient forces to deal with the sheer numbers of Chinese, who report marked successes in a fierce battle in the Liangsiang mountains, where they pushed back the Japanese forces for a mile. This northern-most fringe of the b- tlefront extends for 200 miles from Machang to Yangkao, on the Kalgan-Tatungfu railway, which runs parallel to the Great Wall. The Woosung correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" states that the Japanese are pouring troops and supplies into the Woosung area, but still there is no continuity between the three Japanese landing places. Moreover, the Chinese attacks still preclude the establishment of an unbroken Japanese line. Success of Blockade Meanwhile, the blockade prevents the defenders from renewing their munitions and motor fuel. Desultdry firing before daybreak developed into a steady cannonade, accompanied by the Japanese bombing from the air of the Chinese position at Kaingwan and Yangtse-poo, but they did not succeed in locating the Chinese batteries at Pootung. The intensity of the renewed bombardment suggests that the Chinese lines have not yielded except in the vicinity of Yangtsepoo. A Chinese battalion, surrounded and foodless, heroically resisted for four days at Lotien, before being finally wiped out. There were no survivors. There are about 150,000 Chinese troops concentrated between the Yangtse-kiang and Shanghai, where the Japanese have secured-an ample riverside landing ground, but nearly three weeks must elapse before the launching of a major operation for driving the Chinese back towards the International Settlement. A message from Peiping states that having subjugated Chahar, the Japanese have entered the province of Shansi.

WAR BUDGET FOR JAPAN

EXPENDITURE SANCTIONED BY DIET

(Received September 8, 5.5 p.m.) TOKYO, September 7. The Japanese Diet passed the war Budget, which provides for the raising of £119,000,000 by means of bonds.

BRITISH STEAMER STOPPED

SHOT FROM JAPANESE DESTROYER

APOLOGY OFFERED AFTER EXAMINATION

(Received September 9, 1.15 ajn.) HONG KONG, September 8. A Japanese destroyer, after firing a warning shot, stopped the British steamer Taishan. Officers boarded the vessel and examined its papers. They then released the ship and apologised, saying they would not have fired if they had known it was a British vessel.

AMERICANS RESENT U.S. ATTITUDE

ALLEGED INJURY TO NATIONAL PRESTIGE

SHANGHAI, September 7. The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai indignantly deprecated Mr Roosevelt's warning to United States nationals to leave China as injurious to American prestige. Nevertheless, the American Com-mander-in-Chief is ordering his officers and men throughout China to evacuate their wives and children as speedily as possible. The representatives of three influential firms have wired their principals as follows: "Tell Roosevelt to get off his yacht, put his feet on the ground, and some guts above them.'* A message from Washington says the sharp reaction of Americans in China to Mr Roosevelt's statement has apparently extremely embarrassed the State Department. The department expressed surprise and regret over a protest from the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai demanding that armed United States forces should protect American lives and property. The department insisted that it had not contemplated the withdrawal of such protection. The Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) emphasised that the marines and naval contingents would remain. Principal concern was felt for missionaries and teachers in the inland posts, where protection was impossible. Mr Hull added: "The department reserves all rights to make claims against Japan or China for property damage and intends in no way to abandon the legitimate position of American nationals."

BLOCKADE OP CHINESE COAST

JAPAN NOT TO MOLEST BRITISH SUPS

(mtlTlSil ©FMCIAL WIRKI.ESs.'. RUGBY. September T. It is stated in authoritative circle* in London that there is reason to believe that in carrying out the pacific blockade of the Chinese coast, it is not the intention of the Japanese Navy to interfere with British shipping.