SOUTH CHINA NOW

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 110, 12 May 1938, Page 7

SOUTH CHINA NOW

LANDING BY JAPANESE FOOTING GAINED AT AMOY L> I PERTURBATION AT CANTON MAY CUT OFF VITAL TRAD! WITH HONGKONG [By Te’.-Erar.h—Pre-e A—ociation— Copyright Received May 11, 7-25 p.m. HONGKONG, May 10. A message from Amoy states that the greater part of the town is going up in smoke after a bombardment by Japanese warships which shelled Amoy and launched an attack on the island. The Hongkong correspondent of The Tinies says that the Japanese landed at Amoy under cover of fire frcm twelve warships. The Chinese retired until about 500

Japanese were ashore and then engaged the invaders. Severe fighting occurred and the Chinese claim that they killed 100 and captured 75. Other reports declare that the Japanese are gaming ground. The Hongkong correspondent of the Exchange Agency says that the British destroyer Diana and the American gunboat Asheville are standing bv to take off nationals if necessary. The Daily Telegraph’s Hongkong correspondent says that the landing is apparently intended to be permanent and may be the initial step in the long-awaited South China drive. Canton is greatly perturbed, fearing that a thrust from the Amoy area may cut oh- the vital trade with Hongkong. OCCUPATION PROCEEDING MOTIVES FOR JAPANESE MOVE Received May 11, 11.55 p.m. HONGKONG, May 11. There are two versions of the Japanese motive in attacking Amoy. The Japanese assert that the base of the anti-Japanese activities is the channel for munitions to China. The Chinese say that the diversion will prevent the transfer of half a million fresh Chinese troops to Shantung. The Japanese have warned foreigners at Amoy that unless the strictest neutrality is observed foreign rights will not be respected. The Morning News states that Amoy city is still blazing and the Japanese occupation of the island is progressing. The whole of the eastern half has been subdued. Foreign naval sources do not support the Chinese claim that they held up the landing force, causing 500 casualties. The Japanese justify the bombing of the university because a portion of the Chinese defences is in its grounds.