ATTACK ON AMOY

Evening Star, Issue 22955, 12 May 1938, Page 13

ATTACK ON AMOY

CITY STILL BLAZING JAPANESE OCCUPATION PROGRESSING EASTERN HALF OF ISLAND SUBDUED Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright HONGKONG, .May 11. Two versions have been given for the Japanese motive in attacking Amoy. The Japanese assert that it was a base for anti-Japanese activities and a channel for munitions to China. The Chinese say it is a diversion to prevent the transfer of 500,000 fresh Chinese troops to Shantung. . The Japanese warn foreigners in Amoy that unless the strictest neutrality is observed foreign rights will not be respected. The morning’s news from Amoy states that the city is still blazing. Japanese occupation of the island is progressing, and the whole of the eastern half has been subdued. Foreign naval sources do not support the Chinese claim that they held up the landing force, causing 500 casualties.

The Japanese justify the bombing of the university because of Chinese defences in its grounds. CANTON PERTURBED TRADE WITH HONGKONG MAY BE CUT OFF. LONDON, May 11. The Hongkong correspondent of 1 The Times ’ says the Japanese landed at Amoy under cover of fire from 12 warships. The Chinese retired until about 500 Japanese were ashore and then engaged the invaders. Severe fighting occurred, and the Chinese claim they killed 100 and captured 75. Other reports declare that the Japanese are gaining ground. The Hongkong correspondent of the Exchange Agency says the British destroyer Diana and the American gunboat Asheville are -standing by to take off nationals if necessary. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Hongkong correspondent says the landing is apparently intended to be permanent and may be an initial step in the longawaited South China drive. Canton is greatly perturbed, fearing that the thrust from the Amoy area may cut off vital trade with Hongkong. [Amoy is a treaty port of China. Standing on the island of Haimen at the mouth of the Lung-kiang, its walls date from the Ming dynasty. The East India Company first traded here in 1670, and it was one of the five ports to be opened to foreign trade by the treaty of Nanking in 1842. Amoy has lost much of its former importance as a tea centre, but still engages in an extensive foreign trade. It exports sugar, camphor, and paper, and has regular steamer communication with Hongkong and Formosa, and with Chinese ports. In 1930 the British concession hero was restored to China.] HEAVY FIGHTING CHINESE REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE. HONGKONG, May 11. (Received May 12, at 8 a.m.) The arrival of Chinese reinforcements led to heavy fighting. Refugees are pouring into the foreign concession at Kulagnsu, where 189 Britons and 36 Americans are safe. Two British and two American destroyers are standing by. BIG CLASH LIKELY TROOPS MASSING IN SHANTUNG SHANGHAI, May 11. (Received May 12, at 8 a.m.) The Japanese have begun a powerful pincer movement towards Lunghai, southwards from Tsining, with the object of cutting the railway between Kweiteh and Hsuchow. Six new Japanese divisions are due in Shantung, where presently 1,000,000 Chinese will face 500,000 Japanese. The Chinese admit Japanese progress north and south of the Tientsin-Pukow railway. .'ART OF CITY OCCUPIED AMOY, May 11. (Received May 12, at 1.5 p.m.) The Japanese have occupied part of the city, and now control all the coastal islands except Hainan. According to the Domei Agency the Lunghai battle promises to be the greatest since Mukden, in 1905. The Japanese hope to entrap 400,000 Chinese. BRITISH GOVERNMENT NOT ALARMED ATTACK MAY BE STAGED. FOR HOME CONSUMPTION. LONDON, May 11. (Received May 12, at 1.5 p.m.) The Associated Press says the Japanese attack on Amoy is not at present regarded with alarm by British Government quarters. However the Ambassador, Sir (Robert Craigie, is closely watching developments. The Japanese may be staging the Amoy affair for home consumption, coupled with a test of Chinese strength, but thus far it is not regarded as a curtain-raiser to a calculated attack on foreign interests. BRITAIN AND MEDIATION GOVERNMENT’S POLICY. (British Official Wireless.) -"RUGBY, May 11. (Received May 12, at 1 p.m.) In the House of Commons the Prime Minister was asked whether, seeing that the war in China had largely

reached a deadlock, he would consider offering British mediation or inviting the United States to join in mediation to restore peace. Mr Chamberlain said the British Government would be glad to offer its services either alone or in conjunction with other Powers to bring equitable peace between China and Japan. He did nc*t, however, consider any useful purpose would be served by offering mediation until both sides signified their willingness to accept it.