REFUGEE SHIPS RUN GAUNTLET

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 182, 19 August 1937, Page 5

REFUGEE SHIPS RUN GAUNTLET

Chinese Reported to Have Penetrated Settlement CHAPEI BOMBED IN NIGHT RAID t " ii '■ [(By Telegrapli— Fer Press Association— Copyright) . (Received 19> 10,50 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Aug. 18. The Japanese warslnps began heavy shelling at 7.50 p.m. in Ihe direetion of Pootung and Nantao. Two hundred and fifty English and American refugees leaving aboard tbe Endor were caught between ihe fire of tbe Japanese gunboats and the Chinese shore forces. Blaejaekets with machine-gnns manned the sides of the tendep while camouflaged Chinese snipers and maehine-gunners ashore tried to pick off sailors aboard the warships busily shelling The refugees were nervous of the whizzing bullets and ifrells but did not panic. The- Japanese naval attache states tliat a brigade of Chinese penetrated a section of the International Settlement and attackcd the Japanese cotton-mills. They were driven off after a fieree battle in whieh many were killed on both sides. Shanghai experienced its first night attack to-night, Japanese bombers, droning in the moon-lit sky, bombing Chapei, Kiangwan and Nantao. Buildings were set on fire.

British and American refugees en route to Hongkong ran the gauntlet of jbho Chinese bombardment across the tWhangpoo river. Xhirty-three Japanese warships ara now anchored in the ^Vhangpoo river, - Japanese aireraft' were intenseiy active and heavily boinbed the aefodreme, araenai and docks at 'Lungckua. Ihe ChifieSe claim to have completCiy dexnohshed from the air the Japanese headquarters at MongkeW. 6 Ihe Japahese warships began their daily bombardment of Shanghai at 5 *.m,, the Chinese artillery replying. Ihe diiel iasted three hours. Ihen the Japanese • aireraft reiiewed the bombing of strategic points from Chapei to Woosttng, inciudiug the Chetiju radio .linking China^witk the world. Ihe Chinese scuttled six Japanese •teamers, thereby blocking the river. Ihe ships included one of DUUO toas. Ail the cfejfs ltal deserted the Vesscls,

Sixteen Japanese transports have arrived at Taku. The ShankaikwanTientsin raihvay is choked with their troops and munitions. One Japanese Was reported killed and one wounded by a Chinese mob inskle the French concession. The Chinese authorities emphatically deny that they intend to force their way into the Freneh concession to attack the Japanese rear. Systematic bombing on the part of the Japanese continued all day long, especxally in the North Station district. The Chinese troops launched a fierce attack in the Yangtse-poo area. The Japanese defenders were materially assisted by a barrage from the warships. Rumours of an immediate food shortage are diseounted. It is believed that sufficient supplies are available for six weeks. The Japanese occupied Broadway Mansions Hotel, Shangkai's tallest skyscraper, despite the protests of the British management.