CHINESE BANDITS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 118, 16 February 1928, Page 8

CHINESE BANDITS

ATTACKS ON MISSION STATIONS SEVERAL CAPTIVES RELEASED Shanghai, February 14. The Northern troops have effected the release of four German priests and four German nuns, held captive by Red Spear bandits at Poli, on the Shantung coast, south of Kiaochow Bay, for a fortnight, as the result of a raid upon the mission. The bandits used the missionaries as shields when the soldiers attacked the mission compound. The rescue was consequently delayed. The ransom, 00,000 dollars, demanded was not paid. The captives are uninjured. Foreign missionaries are gradually returning to the stations hastily abandoned by Consular instructions a year ago. The majority of the districts are friendly, and missionary work is being allowed to resume, bnt the frequency of bandit atacks on the missions prevents many returning. PIRATES ESCAPE JAPANESE OFFICERS AS HOSTAGES Shanghai, February 14. Despite the strict vigilance of two Japanese warships over the pirate ship Kaisu Marti, the pirates escaped to the shore. Taking as hostages the first, second, and third officers and chief engineer, they vanished into the hills. Landing parties are preparing to search. The pirate ship is being towed to Tsingtao. COST OF SHANGHAI DEFENCE FORCE London, February 14. Tn the House of Commons, Mr. A. Duff-Cooper, in reply to a questioner, said that the Shanghai Defence I'orce up to March 21 would cost £■!,- 100,00.—A.P.A. and “Sun.”