FIGHTING CONTINUES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 71, 23 February 1932, Page 7

FIGHTING CONTINUES

FALL OF KIANGWAN VILLAGE. 3 CHINA’S RESISTANCE. REVIEW OF SITUATION. Press Association.'—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received February 23, 10-5 a.m. RUGBY, Feb. 22. Reviewing the week-end developments in Shanghai, Sir John Simon, in the House of Commons, expressed deep regret that, despite all efforts to prevent 'hostilities, serious fighting had broken out following the Chinese general’s rejection of the ultimatum demaflding the Chinese troops to begin to evacuate positions in the vicinity ’ of Shanghai before 7 a.m. on February 20. “As reported in the Press,” said Sir John Simon, “the Japanese, troops somewhat, advanced in the neighbourhood of Kiangwan between Chapei and Woosung. The fighting still continues. Up to tne present there has been little fighting at Chapei or elsewhere in the immediate neighbourhood of the International Settlement. “It is not anticipated that the evacuation of British women and children from Shanghai will become necessary. Detailed arrangements have been made against this eventuality. The only danger to the International Settlement is from stray shells'. “Sir Miles Lampsop, in concert with his colleagues, made representations to the Japanese and Chinese authorities, protesting against action which might lead to damage being; inflicted on foreign life and property, and making every reservation on the matter.” Replying to the Leader of the Opposition, Mr George Lansbury, Sir John Simon said that he would make a fuller statement at a later stage. , Sir John Simon said that the British Ambassador at Tokio had been officially informed that if, as was probably true, an independent State in Manchuria had been proclaimed, the Japanese Government was no more likely to recognise it than any other. Government.' FIGHTING ON THREE FRONTS. MARKED ABSENCE OF ARTILLERY FIRE. CHINESE HAMLETS IN RUINS. Received February 23, noon. SHANGHAI, Feb. 22. The fighting continues on three fronts. Bursts of machine gun fire are coming from the still smoking ruins of Woosung Village, but there is a marked absence of artillery fire. The absence of the cruiser Yubari and seven destroyers at Woosung is largely responsible for the lull in the heavy shelling. It is reported that these vessels have departed for Saddle Island, at the mouth of the Yangtse River, for the purpose of convoying transports, which are bringing two additional divisions, which have been anchored in tho lee of the islands for some days. Several ’planes flew over the Chinese lines and dropped a few bombs on a stream of Japanese wagons carrying ammunition and infantry moving north to strengthen the lines beyond Kiangwan. These troops are needed following a desperate counter attack made in the early morning by the Cantonese. Japanese howitzer batteries were brought into action and opened a heavy bombardment of the Chinese lines, continuing for upwards of an hour. It is reported that the Chinese are retreating, but the Japanese are not following up everywhere. The smoking ruins of Chinese hamlets and small villages indicate tho progress of the Japanese advance. THE CHAPEI FRONT. The Chinese forces stationed on the Chaipei front have opened an intensive bombardment on Hongkew Park, and shells are falling over a wide area of the northern district. Three shells struck the Victoria Nursing Home, which recently was evacuated, and qthers are dropping near the Hongkew police station, where five Japanese children were seriously injured, and two Japanese adults killed. Numerous fires started on., the north Szechuen road,- where Chinese explosives played havoc in many deserted foreign-owned dwellings. It is estimated that 60 shells fell around a Japanese school occupied by infantry, five striking the building and inflicting injuries on numbers of troops. To-night the battle mainly centres on the Kiangwan front. CHIANG KAI-SHEK’S TROOPS. NATION’S CRACK TROOPS IN ACTION. Received February 23, 12.20 p.m. SHANGHAI, Feb. 22. It has now been definitely ascertained that tho Eight-eighth Devision of Chinese troops, consisting of General Chiang Kai-Shek’s National Guards, who

are regarded as the nation’s crack troops, participated in the heavy counter attack along the Kiangwan front, yesterday. Chinese prisoners have bc;;?n identified as members of this division. DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS. “LET QUARREL TAKE ITS COURSE.” NEWSPAPER COMMENT. . Received February 23, 8.30 a-m. LONDON, Feb. 22. The Daily Telegraph says: “European and American statesmanship have done everything possible to avert a deplorable conflict in Shanghai. There is nothing now but to let the quarrel take its course. Britain certainly will not 'be committed to any intervention in the quarrel. It is hone of ours.” [ STRAIGHTENING OF JAPANESE LINE. PREPARING TO ATTACK MAIN DEFENCES. SHANGHAI, Feb, 22. Kiangwan village fell into Japanese hands last night, enabling the straightening of the Japanese fine. The Japanese spokesman announced that tho Chinese resistance was stiffer than was expected, as the Chinese, behind ancient walls and battlements, were able to pour heavy machine-gun fire on the advancing parties. It is estimated that the Japanese haye advanced nine miles along an eight-mile front. They are now preparing to attack the Chinese main defences behind the Hongkew creek, where really serious fighting is anticipated. The Japanese casualties are officially stated as totalling 140 killed and wounded. The Chinese losses are not announced. , . The British residents of Shanghai were circularised during tho week-end and warned to concentrate the women and children at the Shanghai Club ready for evacuation. They are to carry a minimum of clothing and a maximum of food. Steamers will transport refugees to an unknown spot, but this step will be taken only as an ext re mo emergency. The Nanking Government has issued an order placing the whole command of the Chinese forces around Shanghai under General Tsai Ting-kai, of the Nineteenth Route Army., , NO ECONOMIC BOYCOTT. SENATOR BORAH REPUDIATES IDEA. WASHINGTON, Feb. 21. Senator Borah repudiates the idea that the United States contemplates, invoking an economic boycott against Japan. He favours retaining friendly relations with both , Powers, unless a break came through some acts of theirs. If America started with a belligerent attitude, said Senator Borah, the logical outcome would be war. BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE. Early in January the London Daily Mail, advising Britain to take no active part in the Manchurian dispute, published the following article:— “The first impression produced by the United States Note to Japan regarding the Japanese occupation. of Manchuria is that it is a definite challenge to the whole Japanese position. But a closer study of it suggests that it is in reality meant to do nothing more than assert the right of United States citizens and trade to the maintenance of the ‘open door. “Thus the American Government expressly states in a semi-official commentary that it has no desiro to question Japan’s legitimate treaty rights in Manchuria or to intervene m any settlement which Japan may make with China. “This is all to the good. In any case it is our duty to state quite frankly and quite categorically , that in no circumstances could the British people allow themselves to become embroiled in a war against Japan, which could only benefit the Chinese Avar lords and the Soviet, and which would be the cause of endless misery to the Avorld. “It is necessary to speak thus plainly because from time to time those strange creatures, the jingo pacifists in this country, have suggested that Great Britain, in common with other Powers, ‘ought to withdraw the Ambassadors from Tokio and to use financial and economic pressure, and, if that Avill.not do, use pressure in the 1 way. of, a blockado to prevent goods going into and coming out of Japan.’ “We could have no part or parcel in such monstrous proceedings against a former ally; and we are convinced that the good sense of the American people Avould just as strongly condemn any such course. ■ “It would be a catastrophe for civilisation if the Japanese Avere to be argued into withdraAving from Manchuria, thus plunging that wealthy province into anarchy once more. “When Japan concluded the NinePower Treaty in 1922 it Avas supposed that China would develop ah effective Government and show her ability'to enforce order and peace within her vast dominions.

“Ten years have passed and she has not done so. The murders of Mr Thorburn and Captain Nakamura and the 288 recent raids by bandits on the Southern Manchurian Railway are eloquent comments on the value of Chinese, protestations and assurances.”