BATTLE AT CANTON

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 14 December 1927, Page 9

BATTLE AT CANTON

VARYING FORTUNES. RESCUE OF FOREIGNERS. BRITISH EFFORTS SUCCESSFUL. BY CABLE—PBESS ASSOCIATION—COPYBIGHT Received 12.25 p.m. to-day. SHANGHAI, Dec. 13. The latest reports state that the Nationalist forces succeeded in retaking Canton, but were quickly driven out by Communists and compelled to retreat into Honan, opposite' Canton. Tffe struggle continues with flactuations in fortunes. In view of the danger threatening foreigners in Tungshan, a suburb of Canton, the British Vice-Consul i>roceeded to the rescue in the warship Moorhen, which was subjected to heavy fire from Communists on the banks of the river, but there were no casualties. The mission was successful, and 11 British, 15 Americans, and 55 Germans were brought safely to Shameen. CHAOTIC CONDITIONS AT CANTON ENORMOUS DAMAGE DONE. Received 12.40 p.m. to-day. SHANGHAI, Dec. 13. According to refugees who are arriving at Hongkong, Communist troops are freely looting Canton. The situation is extremely confused. All gold and silversmiths’, jewellers and general stores have been emptied, newspaper offices have been occupied by members of the printers’ union and the plants are idle. The police stations which escaped burning are being used as bases for the operations of the Communists

The majority of the residents have had difficulty in securing provisions. Prices advanced outrageously and paper currency depreciated 50 per cent. Communists are reported to be dashing hither and thither in the streets, carrying grenades and German Mausers, robbing pedestrians who have a wealthy appearance, stripping rings from fingers and tugging car-rings from women. Communist leaders from Canton have issued a proclamation in the name of the Soviet in Hongkong ordering the extermination of landlords, the destruction of title deeds, the confiscation of lands and houses. The American warship Sacramento landed naval troops, field guns and machine-guns at Shameen, in order to assist, the evacuation of nationals. It is impossible to estimate the enormous damage at Canton from fire and looting. Missionaries, American and German, from up-country are fleeing before the mobs to Hongkong for protection.