“REDS” IN CHINA

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17157, 6 October 1926, Page 7

“REDS” IN CHINA

POSITION BECOMES ACUTE WTTCIIANG DESPERATE MISSIONARIES PERTURBED THOUSANDS DEAD I Sloe. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn - (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) 'Received October 6, noon.) PEKIN, October 5. Nauchang. which was recently retaken from the ” Reds," is reported to have been looted and) pillaged by nnti- •• Reds.” who aie not restrained by their commanders. The casualties are estimated at a- thousand. A telegraphic appeal from the Methodist Mission describes the awful conditions, and asks for volunteers Lo assist in caring for wounded foreigners who are reported to be stationed at the Methodist- Mission. The Rev. Johnston and- his wife, and Dr. Libby are all declared to be safe. Meanwhile, tierce fighting continues betwee Hankow and Nauchang. The ” Red ” troops have been withdrawn to Hankow from northwards, and are concentrating on the Eastern front to meet Snnchuanfang’s drive. The ” Beds ” aro at a disadvantage, lacking artillery. Missionary reports state that there have been several fresh lootings, and captures of foreigners. It is reported for . the first- time m many years that the missionaries arc appealing for assistance to evacuate their stations. Previously these, remained through the worst disorders unmolested. An American military attache lias left Pekin for Sianfu to arrange for the release of imprisoned missionaries whoso position is desperate. A report from Changsha .says Chat tliree American missionaries, l.wd of whom are women, stationed at Shenschoftt. Hunan province, were captured by bandits. The guards fled on the approach of the bandits. Seven other missionaries, five of whom tvere women, escaped. Reports from Wuchang show a change in the attitude of the defenders. Five hundred emerged in a sortie for the purpose of capturing Pagoda hill, n. strategic position from which the “ Reds ” had been bombarding the city. The “Reds” greeted the party with heavy fire, and none returned. The first- letters! from foreigners in beseiged Wuchang described daily air raids and ihe infliction of great- damage lo property. Bombs are dropped indiscriminately. The missions narrowly escaped on several occasions. The foreign Church workers remaining within number fifteen. All are well, and are receiving scattered supplies from Hankow. They are busy caring for the wounded and sick natives, who arc in a pitiable plight. The missions are overflowed with refugees arid wounded. A couple of schools were burned. Famine is raging; thousands of dead) are unburied, and food is nearly exhausted.