CHINA & JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 23 September 1937, Page 5

CHINA & JAPAN

NANKING It Al l)

TWO ATTACKS MADE

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright;.

SHANGHAI, Sept. 22

Fifty .Japanese aeroplanes liomiej Nanking shortly after 10 a.m., dropping a large number of bombs on various sections of the city. The raid lasted until n00n...

j Chinese aeroplanes engaged the enemy. They ciaim to have brought down three Japanese machines. Tile extent of the casualties is not known.

A later message says it is still not clear whether the Nanking bombardment is portion of the threatened destruction of the capital. Very meagre reports state that two squadrons of Japanese aeroplanes‘succeeded in piercing the Chinese defensive cordon and lained bombs on the southern section of the city, causing iires, which were quickly extinguished.

There was a second air a.arm at 1.2() p.m., the outcome of which is not described.

Harried by Chinese fighters and antiaircraft fire, wave after wave of Japanese aeroplanes bombed the city in brilliant sunshine.

Screaming sirens heralded their approach and the inhabitants who had been kept in intolerable suspense since Sunday frantically dashed for shelter. An hour later from 30 to 40 Japanese aeroplanes appeared from the southeast at a height of 10,000 feet. The commander gave a smoke signal and tho machines then loosed a hail ol bombs on the south portion of the city.

.Meanwhile another fleet of Japanese aeroplanes from the north-west, fading to draw off the Chinese pursuit machines, bombed Pukow, across the Yangtse Kiang. “All Clear” signals were given at noon, but at 2.30 p.m. the sirens again gave their terrifying warning. The Japanese again bombed the city from a great height for 75 minutes. The Japanese claim that they destroyed the Kuomiutang headquaiters, military bases, and aerodromes, and reduced many Government and other buildings to ruins, including the Military Academy and the picturesque Liangvin fortress, between A oosung and Chinkiang.

A bond) fell in tho grounds of the United States Embassy, hut there were no casualties.

The Chinese claim that they shot down four of the raiders. They also declare that only 24 aeroplanes were able to penetrate the inner ling of the Chinese defence.

It is estimated that 50 aeroplanes participated in the first raid and 60 in the second.

An eye-witness’s account of the raids states that it was expected that there would be terrible havoc, bnt the damage was comparatively slight. The casualties were remarkably few be ause of the effectiveness of the precautions.

The Legations were unbanned, Embassy officials watched a number of thrilling battles as the hopelessly outnumbered Ohine.se machines attacked

Japan’s air armada. Though a number of residential buildings were destroyed, the Japanese claims ar o exaggerated. They accomplished nothing from a military viewpoint.

CHINESE REPORT.

WELLINGTON, Sept. 22

The Chinese Consul is in receipt ot the following cablegram irom Nanking:— Japanese planes, numbering eighty, attacked Nanking environs this morning. The attack commenced by twelve planes 'approaching the city, and shortly after were reinforced by another dozen. The attack was iuither intensified by a third body ol twenty-five Japanese planes, and later by a further body of more planes. Tlu; general objectives seemed to be Government edifices and the auditorium built to house the National People’s Congress was slightly damaged. In general the damage done to intended objectives was negligible, civilian abodes and lives suffering most. The invaders were beaten back shortly I eiorc 1 p.m. The casualties inflicted on the invaders were not ascertained, but u is believed that two Japanese planes were brought down. The Japanese air force suffered the loss of at least seven pianos as the jesult of the two raids on Nanking yesterday. Five Japanese airmen were taken prisoners, while the number killed is not .ascertained. Two Cniueso planes were damaged, resulting in two being killed and live injured.

A DECISIVE TEST.

APPROACHING IN THE NORTH

PEKIN. Sept. 21

A decisive test of strength becomes jnore imminent in North China, as the Japanese are preparing a further dnv e against the Pinghan Tsinpu railway /ones. The Japanese successes, hitherto, have been gained in the face of lightly armed troops. The complexion of affairs may alter when Nanking, which apparently is not so poorly equipped as the invaders hoped, throws in aeroplanes, tanks and heavy guns. ( The Japanese at Pinghan threaten’ . Paotingfu which in common with other Chinese centres they have heavily feginbed* besides occupying Sushui,