SHANGHAI SHAKEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21115, 24 February 1932, Page 9

SHANGHAI SHAKEN.

gunfire at night.

JAPANESE BOMBARDED.

'[ CHINESE ATTACKEBS.

ISOETIE FROM TRENCHES

TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received February '-3. 8.5 p.m.) SHANGHAI, Feb. 03. The Chinese defending Chapei developed another heavy counterattack last night, commencing a bombardment of the Japanese lines unprecedented in severity. This, with the Japanese reply, shook Shanghai throughout the night. Moro fiies were caused and the scene of the fighting was brought nearer to the International Settlement. Leaving their trenches the Chinese strongly attacked the Japanese lines. They were met by withering machine-gun /' fire, but only after hours of very severe fighting were the Chinese repulsed at 5 a.m. There was considerable slaughter on both sides. y At 10 a.m. the Japanese completely de- / stroyed the Hungjao aerodrome, five miles west of Shanghai. Also they set fire to large stores of gasoline. All the buildings are now in flames. Chinese airmen have been harassing the / Japanese aerial forces. The Chinese have advanced their/base.

INTEREST AT HOME.

matter before commons.

LEAGUE'S MORAL AUTHORITY

(Received February 23, 8.23 p.m.)

British Wireless. RUGBY, Feb. 22. In reviewing the week-end developments at Shanghai, Sir John Simon. Foreign Secretary, in the House of Commons, expressed regret that in spite of all effoits to prevent hostilities, serious fighting had broken out after the Chinese general's re-

jection of the Japanese ultimatum demanding that the Chinese troops should begin to evacuate their positions in the vicinity of Shanghai before 7 a.m. on February 20. Up to the present, said Sir John, 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 Lampson, British Minister, in concert with his colleagues, has made representation to ihe Japanese and Chinese authorities protesting against action which might lead to loss of foreign life or damage being done to property, and making every reservation on the matter. Replying to the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. G. Lansbury, Sir John agreed that question and answer afforded an inadequate means of imparting information on a situation of this gravity, and he agreed to make a fuller statement at a later stage. He said the British Ambassador at Tokio had been officially informed that if, as probably was true, an independent State of Manchuria had been proclaimed, the Japanese Government would be no more likely to recognise it than any other Government. Sir John declared the Government's conviction that only by affirming with boldness and sincerity the principles of the League of Nations would they find the best means of restoring peace. Ihe time might soon come when the moral authority of the League would be seen to exercise its influence. It was absolutely untrue that there was .any secret compact or understanding on the -part of some, or any, of the great Powers to encourage Japan in her action. The. Daily Telegraph says European and American statesmanship has done everything possible to avert a deplorable conflict at Shanghai. There is nothing left now but to let the quarrel take its course. Britain certainly will not be committed to any intervention in the quarrel. "It is none of ours," says the paper. ELECTION IN JAPAN. government victory. OVERWHELMING MAJORITY. (Received February 23, 8.5 p.m.) TOKIO. Feb. 23. The general election in Japan resulted in a huge majority for the Government Party. The figures arc Government (Seiyukai Party) Minfeito Party 17 Others- 1