"VERY DELICATE"

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1932, Page 11

"VERY DELICATE"

SHANGHAI SITUATION

YET SIMON IS HOPEFUL

(British Official Wireless.)

(Keceivea 4th February, 11 a.m.)

; BTJGBY, 3rd February. _ A further statement regarding the situation in the Far Bast was made in tha Houso of Commons by the Foreign Secretary,. Sir John Simon. He saia that H.M.S. Berwick bad- arrived at Shanghai, and the disembarkation of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and of a mountain battery of the Eoyal Artillery took place to-day. • "The situation in Shanghai remains very delicate," he said. "The latest information indicates that the international commanders are cordially cooperating in the work of maintaining order within the Settlement, and the position in this respect appears to'be more satisfactory. His Majesty's Consul-General reports that the municipal police are beginning again to function in parts of the Japanese sector of the International Settlement. "On the other hand I regret to have to confirm the fact that there was further fighting in Shanghai yesterday. Japanese reconnoitring aeroplanes were fi"d upon, and thereafter tho Chinese j-i"~*"g» W» ff^eted to heavy gun-

fire, but, as far as my information goes, the Japanese' lines have not been ■ advanced. The Japanese Consul-General in Shanghai. has informed other Consular' representatives that a destroyer squadron passing the Woosung forts at the mouth of the river had been fired upon this morning and returned the Sto, and that it was intended to occupy Woosung. •

We stiU await full authoritative answers to the representations made by the four Powers to the Japanese! and Chinese Governments, and In the meantime I am convinced -that it is highly desirable to give time for these good offices to have their undisturbed effect. I may say that there are grounds for hope that these are having a good result.