SHANGHAI FACES DOOM

Chronicle (Levin), 16 May 1949, Page 5

SHANGHAI FACES DOOM

( K.Z.P.A, -

-'Heuter,

Reds Use Human Sea Tactics In Grim Battle

Copyriffht)

Eeceived Monday, 10.50 a.m. SHANGHAI, May 15. Communist troops, smashing onwards through the netwOrk of Shanghai's outer defences, reached to within eight. miles of the city today after a night during which the red glow of burning , buildings lit up the skyline to the north of the city. The Nationalists admitted that their troops have abandoned Hwangtu, 15 miles out, and have also pulled out of Nanziang, only 10 miles away. The Nationalists have now withdrawn to their last defence line before the limits of the city. Government troops late today were still firmly holding the vital Woosung area, north of Shanghai, with naval and air support, thus keeping open the last escape' route through Whangpoo out to the sea. Heroic Defence The Central News Agency said tonight that the battle to defend the metropolis of Shanghai is in progress. The hottest engagement at present is centred on the satellite points around Woosung. The agency said that Nationalist troops are heroically defending their lines despite the onrush of Red troops thrown into the ' battle in "human sea tactics." Gunfire was distinctly audible in Shanghai tonight as the battle entered the grim phase.

The famed Bund presented an eerie spectacle With the docks emptied of big ships. Resignation appears to be settling on the city, which faces inevitable doom within a matter of days. Nationalist forces that evacuated Hangkow are retreating to new ^defences at Yochow, on the Yangtse, 110 miles south-west of Hangko#; Evacuating Britons Four British Overseas Airways flying-boats are standing by in Hong .Kong tonight to begin the evacuation of Britons from ..Shanghai tomor, row. ' . American Airlines serving Shanghai announced today that their services will be dis^t cor.tinued tomprrow, when the last planes out of the threatened city leave.