INTENSIVE SHELLING.

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

INTENSIVE SHELLING.

DEFENDERS EETREAT. BATTLES IN SUBURBS. SHELLS CAUSE BIG FIRE. THRILL FOR TRAVELLERS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. February 4, 9.15 p.m.") SHANGHAI. Feb. 4. The Japanese at 11 a.m. yesterday opened an intensive naval bombardment of the Woosung Forts, at the mouth of the Whangpoo Errer leading to Shanghai. The Chinese replied to the fire, but it wag subsequently reported that the forts had been silenced and that the defenders were in full retreat toward Shanghai The American cruiser Houston passed up the river during the bombardment of the fort 5. .in .American steamer, the President -■ van Buren, which is on a pleasure cruise round the world, cruised through the Woasrmg bombardment area. aSording the passengers a thrilling spectacle. The liner Naidera. bound for England, passed the forts as Japanese cruisers were completing the destroyers* work of deEtractjon. She escaped damage. Early this morning it was reported that the forts' had been completely demolished. The residents -of Shanghai were awakened by the heaviest gun fire since the aoiifereak of hostilities. Heavy artillery i- Teas usjed by both sides. Japanese cruisers and destroyers opened -an intensive bombardment on the Chapea :: *Tir\ Paoshan areas during the morning. Shells' passed over the eastern and earthen) districts of the settlement and exploded in areas occupied by Chinese. They set fire to the remaining parts of Cfaapei "which had escaped the aerial bombardment. A conflagration is now raging over a totsnendous area and terrible devastation is proceeding. He Japanese intend to continue shelltag until all the adjacent areas are unjeenpied.

POSITION EE VIEWED. HOPES FOR MEDIATION. POWERS' GOOD OFFICES. British Wireless. HTJGBY. Feb. 3. A further statement abont the sitnafion in tie Far East was made in the House of Commons to-day by the Foreign -Secretary, Sir John Simon. He said tile British cruiser Berwick bad arrived at. Shanghai, 2.3d t »>at the disembarkation of fte Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and a mountain battery of the Royal - Artillery from Hongkong took place te-day. A "The sit nation at Shanghai remains :, JEry delicate," Sir John. "The ; . latest information indicates that the inienational commanders are cordially cc>■ii operating' :n t_he work of maintaining order within the International Settlement, : *ad the position in ti'is respect appears more satisfactory. "The British Consul-General, Mr. F. ■A. Brenafl, reports that the municipal * police are beginning again to function x ® parts of the Japanese sector of the >1; settlement. " "On the other hand. 1 regret to have to confirm the fact that there was furtiler figbtisg in Shanghai yesterday, r«cocnoitr;ng aeroplanes were feed upon, and subsequently the Chinese was subjected to heavy gun- ■ foe. But as far as mv information goes. Japanese lines have ao; been advanced. "The 1 Japanese ConsuJ-General at ®*ngh&!. Mr. Nomura, has informed tbe '.•flier consular representatives that a squadron passing the Woosung :v«rti, at the mouth of the Whangpoo -;S»or, c/i which Shanghai is situated. been fire-j upon this rooming, and •••tttoirned the fire. It was intended to «ecupy Woosung. : 'We still await full authoritative •OSwers to the representations made by '•'•S*. or * r Fowers to the Japanese and |?panese Government, and in the meanI 'am convinced that, it is highly Wfiirahi e to give time for these good : -*<Bic£6 to hav € at undisturbed effect- * may say that there are grounds for 0S& ™ a ' t these will have a good result." George Liunsbury, Leader of the f,*»»anr Party, said that, in deference tr. ™yDonald'3 request be refrained ?ar ( -i pressing his demand for an imme"Sa® debate on Shanghai.