Uncertain Reports From Far East

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 40, 1 February 1932, Page 7

Uncertain Reports From Far East

Abortive Conference With Consuls Mutual Objections By Opponents International Settlement Jeopardised Defence Forces Working Feverishly [United Press Association—By Cable—Copyright.] (Received 1, 10.35 a.m.) Shanghai, January 31. The Consular Defence Committee conferred all day with Japanese and Chinese officials, but the outcome was unsatisfactory. The lengthy conference was concluded in the presence of the American and British Consuls-General. The suggestion was made by foreign commanders that the Chinese troops should withdraw 2000 meters from the settlement and that the Japanese should retire to their original position, but mutual objections were raised by the contending parties. The announcement was made following the conference that the truce will continue until further notice. A formal declaration of war has not yet been made. It is now fully realised that the safety of the Settlement is seriously jeopardised, and defence forces are working feverishly on the second defence line round the Settlement proper. All foreigners have been warned to be prepared for immediate evacuation within the internal defence lines. Foreign commanders realise the difficulty of defending a 20 mile front should the Chinese make a mass attack in this area.

Intelligence reports estimate that 20,000 Chinese are concentrated less than four miles from the boundaries and are actively preparing for attack should the armistice cease. General Gleboff, formerly of the Czar’s army, is now raising a strong force of Russian Whites to assist the defences. SILENCE RUDELY BROKEN. (Received 1, 9.55 a.m.) Shanghai, January 31. Following a prolonged silence in the battle area, and with the whole atmosphere at Shanghai charged with the greatest apprehension, heavy firing recommenced at 11 o’clock last night, maehine-gun and rifle outbursts shattering the silence; but the din lasted only for twenty minutes. .Unconfirmed reports from Chinese sources state that two truckloads of Japanese bluejackets who entered Chapei for the purpose of taking up defence positions were ambushed and annihilated. Nanking to-night denied any intention of declaring war, but asserted that the whole nation was resolved to repulse the Japanese regardless of sacrifices. FAILURE OK NEGOTIATIONS. (Received 1, 9.55 a.m.)' Honkong, January 3L Private advice from Shanghai indicates that the ChineseJapanese peace conference has failed. The cruiser Berwick departs for Shanghai at dawn to-mor-row, carrying a company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Meanwhile, tin-hatted British troops and police are patrolling the Hongkong streets as an emergency measure. THE WAR DECISION. (Received 1, 8.30 a.m.) Shanghai, January 3L The decision to declare war was made by the Central Executive Committee of the Kuomintang, to which the Nanking Government is subordinate. The foreign communities were immediately alarmed, and an appeal was made to London and Washington for reinforcements to maintain the integrity of the settlement. Another report says that Quo Tai-chl, the Vice-Minister, contends that China will not declare war, though she is prepared to offer armed resistance to Japanese attacks.

U.S. SHIPS ORDERED EAST. (Received 1, 9.55 a.m.) Washington, Jan. 31. Admiral Taylor, Manila, was ordered this morning to proceed to Shanghai with such ships as he deems necessary for the further protection of Americans. The Navy Department directed Admiral Taylor, who is proceeding from Atsnila to Shanghai on the cruiser Houston, to advise the commanders of his subordinate forces, to “exercise the utmost forbearance in their relationship with both the Chinese and Japanese authorities during the existing situation.” EXPEDITING LEAGUE INQUIRY. *” (Received 1, 9.5 a.m.) Geneva, Jan. 31. ■fhe League Council is expediting inquiry into the Shanghai and Manchurian situation. The Inquiry Committee may travel across Siberia, thus saving ten days. M. Boncour, despite Mr. Sato's discussion, said that his colleagues were agreed that Article XV. instead of Article XI. was applicable to the putePROTECTION OF BRITISH PROMISED. (Received 1, 9.5 a.m.) London, Jan. 31. A Foreign Office communique states that the Japanese Foreign Office has assured Mr. Lindley, Biitish Ambns sndor at Tokio, that nothing will l>e done to endanger British lives or

property in the Shanghai international settlement, which is not to be used as a base of attack. HOOVER CALLS ARMY AND NAVY HEADS TOGETHER. PUBLIC STATEMENT' SHORTLY (Received 1, 12.5 p.m.) Washington, Jan. 31. President Hoover called Colonel Stimson, Secretary of State, Mr. C. E. Adams, Secretary of the Navy, Commander Hurley, Admiral Pratt, and the Army Chief of Staff, General Macarthur, to a conference at White House at 2.30 this afternoon. They were still m session after two hours discussing the Shanghai situation. A later message states that the conference terminated at 4.40 p.m., after which Colonel Stimson announced that a public statement would shortly be made. Colonel Stimson was grave and obviously concerned when ho camo out. Asked whether there would be any other conference to-day he said. “Please God, no.” It W'as announced at five o’clock that the 31st Infantry Regiment had been ordered to Shanghai from Manila. It consists of 1400 men.