BOOM OF HEAVY GUNS HEARD IN SHANGHAI.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18088, 23 February 1927, Page 1

BOOM OF HEAVY GUNS HEARD IN SHANGHAI.

Shells Fall In French Concession, Driving Many From Their Homes.

NO FOREIGNERS INJURED; ALL DEFENCE FORCES STAND BY, AWAITING DEVELOPMENTS

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn. (Received February 23, 9.5 a.m.) SHANGHAI, February 22. The unbroken boom of heavy guns is audible from the Foreign Settlements. Shells fell in the French Concession, and many fled from their homes to the International Settlement. There were no foreign casualties. A state of emergency has been declared, and all forces are standing by. All the firing is from the south, in the direction of the native city. It is not certain whether the Cantonese have arrived, the defenders have mutinied, or native riots are taking place. Eight hundred Suffolks landed, occupying the quarters of the Punjabis on the racecourse, the Punjabis having gone to Hong Kong. The problem of providing space for British troops, which threatened, to become acute, has been satisfactorily solved. To avert, possible protests from other nationals against the troops being quartered in international property, only British property has so far been used. This meant much congestion and restriction, for apart from the racecourse, there was not much exclusively British-owned space in Shanghai available for the soldiers. The British Consul-General applied to the municipality for permission to use Jessfield Park for quartering the troops, and the municipality not only agreed but also intimated that all municipal property would be placed at the disposal of the defence force if required. The decision is expressive of the deep gratitude of all nationals for the protection and presence of the British troops.

FOUR FOREIGN HOMES HIT. Five shells exploded in the French Concession at Shanghai and. between the sounds, five others were heard. It is believed they exploded just outside the native city. All French defence forces have been mobilised. It is believed that one of Sun Chuan-fang’s gunboats, lying in the river, turned over to the southerners and tried to shell Kiang-nan Arsenal. It is known that four foreign homes were hit, but no foreigners were hurt.

GORY MURDERERS PARADE SHANGHAI.

GHASTLY MASSACRE SHOCKS ALL IN CITY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—r Copyright. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received February 23, 10.30 a.m.) PEKIN, February 22. The semi-lawful • massacre of Chinese, carried out in the native city of Shanghai by the Chinese militar}' for the purpose of suppressing the Red agitation and strikes, is shocking the community, due to the ruthlessness employed by the native soldiery and police. They practically murdered scores suspected of agitating and supporting the Cantonese movement. Not aince the Spanish Inquisition has a city the size of Shanghai witnessed such scenes being enacted daily. Heartless executioners have completely terrorised the natives, who fear to venture abroad lest they be suspected. The executioners, a merciless walking squad, arrest students, labour agitators, union delegates and, strikers, executing them immediately without trial. Yopths were dragged from the arms of their mothers and their heads lopped off, while the others screaming and struggling' were hacked to pieces. Others were shot while trying to escape. The executions are being carried out with the intention of counteracting the Canton movement, which is intended to embarrass Sun Chuan-fang's defence of Shanghai. The general strike is waning and the workers are returning.

The International Settlement authorities are not interfering, appreciating the display of force, though regretting the bloodshed. Under the circumstances there is hardly a whisper of protest from the Chinese. Widespread indignation is expressed at the decapitation of the Chinese editor of an English-printed newspaper, following its publication of Sun Cbuanfangs reverses in the fighting. A Cantonese editor was kidnapped a fortnight ago from the International Settlement in daylight by disguised Chinese soldiers and was carried to native territory. Warrants have been issued for many prominent Cantonese. The reign of terror prevails as the only preventive of mob riots similar to those which occurred in Hankow. Sun Chuan-fang succeeded in checking the Cantonese advance at Kashing, seventy miles south-west, and the Nationalist occupation of Shanghai is stayed. Foreign Threat. Foreigners' irritation at the non-de-liver}’- and acceptance of mails has culminated in the Settlement authorities informing the Chinese postal authorities that unless the postal strike ceased at ten o'clock this morning they would take over the Post Office and run it as a foreign post office until the strikers return. Volunteers have been mobilised and ordered to stand by if necessary to assist, the police to clear the Post Office of the strikers. A humorous sidelight on the indestructible faith of the Chinese in any foreign-originated institution was their Continuance to post letters until the pillar boxes were crammed and the letters began to fall from the slots. Thieves immediately commenced stealing, until the police prevented them.

Official estimates state that the strike has spread to 100,000 employees, but the majority are in the native city.