NIGHT OF HORROR

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 165, 30 July 1937, Page 5

NIGHT OF HORROR

— Press Assn.

Chinese Quarter in Tientsin Still Ablaze "APPALLING" DAMAGE

(By Telegraph

— Copyright.)

(Received 30, 1.30 p.m.) TIENTSIN, July 29. It is a night of horror in Tientsin. Large areas of the eongested Chinese quarter are still ablaze, luridly lightxng the evening sky. The casualties are not yet known, but they must' be heavy. The ixxdirect dajnago as a result of intensive Japanese bombxng is deseribecl as "appalling." Volunteer fire brigades did their utmost to stem the destruction, but the fianxes swept through the ramshackle buildings like a bush-fire. The situation is now descwbed as quiet, most of the Chinese fatalistically aecepting the destruction. Many remained impassive, even while planes were raining death from the skies. Meanwhile, trained troops of the Nanking Government are approachang Tientsin, and fierce fighting is reported in the vicinity. Chiang Kai Shek issued a statement that Cixina is determined to fight to the last man. Contrastixxg virtual war in Tientsin, life in Peiping returxxed to normal. Defence works have been pulled down, and ' few soldiers are in evidence. A comxnittee, consisting of equal numbers of Chinese and Japanese, has taken over the administration, The next steps are uncertain, but it is stated in Tokio that Japan will not tolerate foreign intervention. Mr Hirota told the Diet that Engxand, America and Russia were well aware that Japan intends to seek a settlement oix the spot. The Prime Minister declared that Japan not Only seeks local settlement, but intends to fundamentally readjust her relationship with China as she desires . territorial integrity of China and is resolved to prevent foreign influence dominating her. Newspapers express anxiety re\ garding Britain's attitude.