RED REIGN OF TERROR

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 143, 14 December 1927, Page 11

RED REIGN OF TERROR

STRUGGLE CONTINUES

FLUCTUATING FORTUNES

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 14th December, 11 a.m.) SHANGHAI, 13th December. The latest reports state that the Nationalist forces succeeded in retaking Canton, but were quickly driven out by the Communists and compelled to retreat to Honan, opposite Canton. The struggle continues with fluctuations of fortunes. According to refugees arriving at Hong Kong the Communist troops are freely looting. The situation is extremely confused. All gold and silversmiths, jewellers, and general stores have been emptied, newspaper offices occupied, and members of the Printers' Union and plants are idle. The police stations, which escaped burning are used as bases of operation by the Communists. The majority of residents find difficulty in securing provisions, and prices have advanced outrageously. Paper currency has depreciated 50 per cent. The Communists are reported to be dashing hither and thither in the streets carrying grenades and German Mauser rifles, robbing pedestrians of wealthy appearance, stripping rings from fingers and tugging earrings from women. IN NAME OF SOVIET. The Communist leaders in Canton have issued a proclamation in the name of the Soviet of Hong Kong, ordering the extermination of landlords, the destruction of title deeds, and the confiscation of lands and houses. In view of the danger threatening foreigners in Tungsh&n, a suburb of Canton, the British Vice-Consul proceeded to the rescue in the warship Moorhen, and was subjected to heavy fire from Communists on the banks of tho river. There were no casualties, and the mission was succesful, 11 British, 15 American, and 55 Germans being brought safely to the Shameen. Tho American warship Sacramento has landed naval troops with field guns and machine guns in the Shameen to assist tho evacuation of their nationals. It is impossible to estimate the enormous damago in Canton throtfgh fire and looting. Missionaries, American and German, are fleeing before the mobs from up country for protection, to Hong Kong.