STRONG PRESSURE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 9 September 1937, Page 7

STRONG PRESSURE

CHINESE TROOPS COUNTERATTACK TEN ADDITIONAL DIVISIONS JAPAN ADMITS EVACUATION OF YUEIIPU [United Press Assoeialion-By Kleclno Telegraph—Copy right 1 SHANGHAI, Bth September. After Chinese counter-attacks throughout the night on all fronts, the Japanese resumed the heavy bombardment from fleet and shore batteries The Japanese, while claiming that they arc progressing satisfactorily, admit the evacuation of Yuchpu, five miles from Paoshan. in order to release troops to resist the Chinese pressure at Paoshan. A fierce encounter is in progress between the Jukong civic centre and Kuingwan, which was badly damaged by Japanese shells. The Japanese report that ten additional Chinese divisions have been thrown in between Shanghai and Soochow, making their present strength 350,000. A Japanese spokesman commented on the Chinese lack of heavy artillery, but admitted that they were pretty good shots and much improved since 1932. A number of British women unexpectedly returned from Hong Kong, declaring that they would much prefer to be blown out of their homes at Shanghai than endure the discomforts of exile there.

Japanese from the University sector 1 linked up with their compatriots at ’ Woosung. Sharp lighting continues at Machang, , 35 miles from Leking. ! RED ARMY EXPRESSES LOYALTY A wealthy business man, Mr Lee Antung. has been arrested for alleged espionage on behalf of JapanGeneral Chutch’s Red army, hitherto under General Chiang Kai-shek’s bane, has now pledged loyalty to him and thrown themselves against the Japanese flank at Hankow. ADVANCE CLAIMED BY JAPANESE The Japanese, with the aid of heavier tanks, claim that they advanced along a continuous line from Yangtsepoo and Chapei to Liuho, threatening the encirclement of the Chinese. HEAVY CASUALTIES ADMITTED (Received 9th September, 10.35 a.m.) | SHANGHAI, Bth September. Japan has not yet cleared the northern fronts in Nankow and Chahar. She finds her difficulties greatly increased owing to General Chuteh’s compliance with Nanking’s orders. The Japanese admit that heavy casualties are precluding an effective advance southwards from Machang. The Japanese in their advance on the Yangtsepoo sector, used tanks for the first time and destroyed five Chinese steel and concrete pillboxes buttressing the infantry lines. The Japanese are consolidating their positions prior to resuming the offensive. ; JAPANESE BLOCKADE j BRITISH STEAMER STOPPED I RELEASED AFTER EXAMINATION HONG KONG, Bth September, A Japanese destroyer, after a warning shot, stopped the British steamer Taishan, which was boarded. Her papers were examined, after which she was released. The Japanese apologised, stating that they would not have fired if they had known that the Taishan was British. | CHINA TO RETALIATE FOREIGN VESSELS WARNED | (Received 9th September, 12.45 p.m.) j SHANGHAI, Bth September. ! China informed the powers that they will retaliate against the blockade by bombing from the air Japanese ships, and for this reason advise incoming foreign vessels to give the war area in Shanghai a wide berth. The, whole of six coaches of a train which was bombed at Sunkiang were destroyed, fragments of humanity being scattered everywhere. AN OFFENSIVE BY CHINA WARNING TO SHIPPING (Received 9th September, 9.40 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Bth September. A Chinese air offensive against the Japanese blockade is foreshadowed by :an official warning to shipping to keep j clear of Japanese warships and transports, also to paint their national colours on the decks. The results of ihc Chinese bombing of warships in the Shanghai area are negligible. The British cruisers Danae and Falmouth and i the American cruiser Augusta were j sprinkled with shrapnel. Japanese planes killed 300 and wounded 400 Chinese refugees on a train which was entering Sunkiang. HAINAN ISLAND FEAR OF JAPANESE RAID GARRISON BEING REINFORCED HONG KONG, Bth September. The appearance of six Japanese warships at Luichow Peninsula has aroused the fear of an impending raid on i Hainan Island, whose garrison is being | feverishly reinforced from the main- | land. REJECTED BY JAPAN PROPOSAL TO WITHDRAW WARSHIPS (Received 9th September. 10.0 a.m ) SHANGHAI. Bth September. Japan rejected (lie Powers’ pro posal (o withdraw her warships from the International Settlement zone. AMERICAN NATIONALS | SHARP REACTION TC ROOSE- , VELT’S WARNING j STATE DEPARTMENT 1 EMBARRASSED [ WASHINGTON, 7th Septembei. 1 Sharp reaction of Americans in China to President Roosevelt’s statement. warning Americans in China that they would remain at their own risk apparently extremely embarrassed the State Department, which’ expressed

surprise and regret over the ShanghaiAmerican Chamber of Commerce’s cabled protest demanding that armed United States forces should protect American lives and property. The Department insisted that it had not contemplated withdrawal of such protection.

Mr Cordell Hull. Secretary of State, stressed the fact that marines and naval contingents would remain. The principal concern was felt for missionaries and teachers in inland posts, where protection was impossible. The Department reserves all rights to make claims against Japan cr China for properly damage, and nowise intends to abandon the legitimate position of nationals.