Horror Stalks Chuanchow

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 110, 12 May 1939, Page 7

Horror Stalks Chuanchow

Hundreds Perish in Devastating Fire JAPANESE BOMBINGS United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Thursday, 11.20 p.m. LONDON, May 11. The Shanghai correspondent of the. Times says that hundreds perished in a huge fire ■which is sweeping Chuanchow as the result of Japanese bombings. Terrified children fleeing across the harbour were drowned. A prison was wrecked and warders fired on frenzied escapees. Chinese guerrilla soldiers daringly raided the Customs cruiser Haicheng in Chefoo Harbour and escaped in a motor-boat with a large haul of arms and ammunition. General Cliiang Kai-shek has ordered the evacuation from the capital of all except able-bodied residents. Diplomatic officials and foreigners have been granted residence permits for six months. Further details show that the deathroll as a result of the bombing raidß last week far exceeds 4000. Hundreds of bodies have been discovered in single-exit dugouts, in which they were suffocated or burned. The Japanese to-day again bombed Foochow and Ningpo, and 100 houses were blown up. In the meantime, Chinese guerrillas are continuing to exert pressure on Canton. They are reported to have raided the aerodrome and destroyed a number of ’planes. 150,000 CHINESE TO BE ANNIHILATED REPORTED JAPANESE PLANS LONDON, May 10. A Tokio message says that the Japanese are reported to be preparing to annihilate four Chinese divisions totalling 150,000 men, north-west of Hankow, which is subject to continual assaults from all sides. MILLION JAPS ENGAGED ENCIRCLEMENT PLAN Received Friday, 12.40 a.m. TOKIO, May 11. A Navy spokesman announced that the Yangtse would be re-opened for navigation at the earliest possible moment, but said it was at present congested with ships supplying the need.; of 1,000,000 Japanese engaged in the Hankow region encircling 150,000 Chinese in their bases in tho Tapen Mountains.