FORTS DEMOLISHED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21099, 5 February 1932, Page 9

FORTS DEMOLISHED.

>* " ■ SHANGHAI BOMBARDMENT. ACUTE ALARM IN AMERICA. vVv/x'". « . V SOVIET THREAT AT HARBIN. - : S". The Woosung forts, at the mouth of the river leading to Shanghai, are reported to have been demolished by Japanese u ennsers and destroyers. The bombardment was begun on Wednesday morning and resumed yesterday. Subsequendy the Japanese bombarded the Chapei and Pao- .' shan areas, to the north of the hitemational Settlement, over portions of which shells passed. These set fire to the buildings which had escaped the previous aerial attack, causing a huge : conflagration, which resulted in terrible devastation. Heavy artillery was used by both Japanese and Chinese in yesterday morning's hostilities. Great anxiety is felt at 'Washington over the critical nature ; ; of the situation, and the State Department frequently consulted the British Government by telephone. In response to the peace proposals submitted by the Powers, China agreed to them unconditionally, but Japan rejected two important clauses. In Manchuria the Japanese are said to be about to enter • Harbin- The Russian Foreign Minister has announced that if they do so, the Soviet will not be able to view the step with equanimity.