IN CHINA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 213, 23 August 1927, Page 5

IN CHINA

YANGTZE HOSTILITIES EVACUATION OF SOUTHERN TROOPS. MERCHANT VESSELS FIRED ON. (British Official Wireless.) (Received 23, 11.15 a.m.) Rugby, Aug. 22. The latest news of the Yangtze hostilities is that the southern troops continue to be evacuated down the railway to Shanghai from Chin-Kiang, although Sun Chuan-Fang's troops had not yesterday reached the river bank there. At Nanking military objectives only are being shelled, but rifle and machine-gun fire from Pukow continues. Merchant vessels in the river have been fired on from the banks, and the Convoys have, in consequence, been restarted. Firing directed against one British vessel below Nanking to-day was silenced by H.M.S. Woodlark. BRITISH CRUISER GOES UPRIVER. After having landed a party of marines as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the valuable British property at Nanking, the cruiser Hawkins, with Admiral Tyrwhitt abroard, proceeded yesterday up-river to Wuhu. An overnight cable stated: Chinese troops continue firing on Yangtsze shipping, the British warships replying in every ease. The Hankow Government had decided to remove its headquarters to Nanking, where troops are being moved with the object of opposing the Northern menace. The bombardment of Nanking from a long range continues, and the crossing of the Yangtsze appears imminent. A Japanese naval force has landed at Ohin-kiang. RETREAT ALONG GRAND CANAL. NANKING BOMBARDED. (Received 23, 9.40 a.m.) Shanghai, Aug. 22. One section of the Nanking army is retreating along the Grand Canal towards Chekiang; others are being rushed to Nanking to stiffen the defences there, but the end is foreseen. The bombardment of Nanking continues intermittently and the city populace is panic-stricken. The military governor of Shanghai, who is responsible for the suppression of the Communists and the execution of their leaders, has been called to Nanking with the troops, leaving the native areas at the mercy of the labour corps of the Communists. Martial law is being enforced, the police fearing an uprising as a protest against the recent beheadings — (A. and N.Z.)

NATIONISTS’ COMPLETE COLLAPSE EXPECTED.

(Received 23. 9.25 a.m.) Shanghai, Aug. 22. Tlie complete collapse of the Nationalists is expected unless the Nuhan forces can reach Nanking to strengthen the lines before Sun Chuan-fang launches his drive across the river to capture the city.—(A. and N.Z.)