BOMBARDMENT OF CORFU

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 6 September 1923, Page 5

BOMBARDMENT OF CORFU

CHILDREN PANIC-STRICKEN

BY CABLE—PBESB ASSOCIATION— COPYEIGHT LONDON, Sept. 4. The Athens correspondent of the Daily Telegraph interviewed British and American eye-witnesses of the bombardment of Corfu. They state it was simply point-blank shooting at an absolutely defenceless" town, with riot the slightest danger of interference foom the sea.

Dr. Kennedy, who is connected with the "save the children fund," says the action was ill-consideted, harsh and discreditable. A single destroyer could have seized the place without firing a a shot. Captain Foschini, chief of the naval staff, entered the harbour unceremoniously and presented the prefect with an ultimatxim stating that occupation would take place thirty minutes latex, so that foreign Consuls could have time to warn their nationals to get to safety. Captain Fascinii refused the prefect's request to communicate with. Athens.

The prefect then pointed out that force was unnecessary, as there was only a signal gun at the fort, which was occupied by 6000 refugees, and the admiral had only to proceed to occupy it.

Many of the residents were engaging in an afternoon siesta when fire was SDened within seven minutes of the ritish Consul's receipt of the warning. Five or six inch high expdosive shells were used. One shell dropped into the grounds of Prince Andrew's Palace, over two miles distant. The officers of the "save the children" fund were at the moment feeding 2500 children from the Hazelmere soup kitchen. The panic which ensued can be imagined. The whole population of refugees made for the open country. While the panic-stricken multitude fled the gallant airmen swoned over and around them, adding to their terror. Dr. Kennedy examined a number of bodies and certified that the wounds were caused by shellfire. j