CHILDREN SHELLED.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1923, Page 5

CHILDREN SHELLED.

MASSACRE OF REFUGEES. BOMBARDMENT OF CORFU. PANIC AMONG PEOPLE. HIGH EXPLOSIVE USED. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 5, 5.5 p.m. London, Sept. 4. The Athens correspondent of the Daily Telegraph .interviewed British and American eye witnesses of the bombardment of Corfu. They state it was simply pointblank shooting at an absolutely defenceless town, with not the slightest danger of in terference from the sea. Dr. Kennedy, who is connected with the “save the children fund,” says the action was ill-considered, harsh and discreditable. A single destroyer could have seized the place without firing a shot. Captain Foschini, chief of the naval staff, entered the harbor unceremoniously and presented the prefect with an ultimatum stating that occupation would take place in thirty .minutes later, so that foreign Consuls could have time to warn their nationals to get to safety. Captain Fascinii refused the prefect’s request to communicate with Athens. The prefect then pointed out that force was unnecessary, as there was only a signal gun at the fort, which was occupied by six thousand refugees, and the admiral had only to proceed to occupy it. Most of the residents were indulging in an afternoon siesta when fire was opened within seven minutes of the British Consul’s receipt of the warning. Five or sixinch high explosive shells were used. One shell dropped intoß the grounds of Prince Andrew’s palace, over two miles distant. The officers of the “save the children” fund were at the moment feeding 2500 children from the Hazelmere soup kitchen. The panic which ensued can be imagined. The whole population of refugees made for the open country. While the panic-stricken multitude fled the gallant airmen swooped over and around them, adding to their terror. Dr. Kennedy examined a number of bodies and certified that the wounds were caused by shellfire.