DECLARATION OF WAR

Hokitika Guardian, 1 February 1932, Page 5

DECLARATION OF WAR

r ->~< —-—— CHINA TAKES THE OFFENSIVE * — FIERCE FIGHTING AT CHAPEI i l BRITISH TROOPS ARRIVE

| United Press Association—By Eleotrii Telegraph—Copyright.] / ' SHANGHAI, January 30. The Chinese National Government at Nanking have decided to declare war against Japan, according to the Reuter correspondent. After the fiercest fighting ever wit- - nessed in Shanghai, an armistice was reported to have been declared to-night between the Japanese and Chinese. The Mayor, Mr \\ u, and the J apanpse Consul-General, Mr Murai,. were brought together with the American Consul-General, Mr Cunningham, and the British Consul-General, Mr J. F. Brenan. as arbitrators. , Though both Chinese and Japanese .Jt' • Unofficial sources claim that a truce ' lias been signed, neither foreign official would make any statement. It is stated that both armies will remain in their present positions, await' ing further negotiations, The. report appears to he confirmed by the gradual quieting of the fighting at Chapei, though snipers are still active on the boundaries and in parts of the Settlement, where Japanese tro ps are stationed.

HEAVY* FIGHTING. strong Chinese" feeling. CHAPEI REPRESENTS SHAMBLES. SHANGHAI, January 29. Fighting in the afternoon and evening was the heaviest since hostilities commenced, the Chinese taking the offensive and forcing the Japanese into a retirement with heavy casualties, which are now estimated conservatively at over 800. A most lemarkable feature is the almost unbelieveable resistance of the Chinese soldiers, who are displaying fighting ability comparable to foreign troops. The temper of the whole Chinese populace has reached unprecedented ferocity. All outside areas have been cut off and the foreign areas are facing a serious food shortage. All Chinese shops are closed and Communists are working feverishly to convert the situation to their oWll eii<U. Late ill the a f tei'nortt a stl'-ng force of Chinese attacked the Japanese naval Imndqnorters and were only repulsed after the severest fighting.

presents a shambles. Tt is almost completely gutted, with ruins everywhere, and a huge fire was still raging at daybreak.

The situation still bolds uncertainties as the Chinese troops are indicating unwillingness to cease hostilities, believing .that the Japanese are on the run. Three Japanese sennlnnes this afternoon set fire t-o the North Railway Station. At least one Japanese plane was brought down during the attack on the station. JAPANESE RENEW ATTACK. REPULSED BY CHINESE. CHINESE REGAIN GROUND. SHANGHAI, January 39. Charging the Chinese with a failure to observe the truce, the Japanese today commenced another determined assault on Chapei (which is adjacent to the Foreign Settlement of the city); but the Japanese met with strong opposition, they eventually retTing along the boundary.

One thousand more Japanese reinforcements arrived at Shanghai to-day. STRONG AMERICAN FEELINC. FORCEFUL COMMENT EY PRESS. NEW YORK, January 30. 9he New York ‘Herald Tribune’s” Washington correspondent states that “the suspense in Washington to-night is greater than it ha.s been at any time since the 'World War.” Overnight since Friday things became far worse in Shanghai, with the news that the Japanese have taken up occupation of various parts of the international Settlement, and have maae further aerial demonstrations, with the possibility of the renewal of the aerial bombardment.

The Chinese succeeded in gaining considerable ground, which they previously bad lost in the first Japanese assault in Thursday’s midnight nttcc-k. The Chinese brought field arUl'eminto action again in the evening. Shells were dropping around the Japanese naval headquarters. Reports from the Japanese bendo ,, ar. ters state that t’’e offensive this (Saturday) mroning was necessary to retain the positions that they bad already occupied.

This news has kept, the Administration awaiting a reply from Japan to to-day’s Anglo-American protests. The “Herald Tribune” in its leading article, voices the-sharpest rebuke upon Japan that has vet been made by any responsible American journal. It ways: ‘‘Japan is using the same sort of savagery and slaughter a.s that which has been indulged in by the Chinese War Lords. Japan is having as much difficulty in controlling Imr military as the Chinese have, and she is producing a situation from which

Armoured cars led the Javanese attack. but they failed to penet-rte the Chinese defences and thov retired. T'neonfirrned reports state that the Chinese captured the three Japanese armoured ears which the Japanese used to attack the railway station.

THE JAPANESE NAVY. 20 VESSELS AT SHAXCIIAI. SHAXCIIA r. Januar- JO. Accordion- to a statement made by 'Admiral Sboi/nwu, there are now twenty Japanese naval vessels in the Shrfnsrha-i harbour, including two of the largest aircraft carriers and there are also five thousand bluejackets and marines there.

she can only emerge with enormous loss and suffering.”

CABINET NOT I!NANi’.’iO"JS. AS TO COURSE OF ACTiON. WASIII.XCTOX. January 20. President Hoover met the Cabinet and they had a lengthy session, after which, act riling to tin* Associated 'Press. “It seemed evident, iluti lack of unanimity regarding I lie American course of policy had occupied during I the meeting, hut the Ministers keptivlmt happened to theixi!,clvoa.”

The Admi-al also announced that in the event of any further attacks fin Japanese portions, he will brine u fleet of twontv planes into operation to bomb the Chinese positions. Tf is reported that Chinese shells

have now fallen into I l><. International Sott'emont of Shnmdini, near Chnnei.

Snipers wounded two of the [{oval Scots Fusiliers who were guarding tin* Ynrlli Honan Hoad gates,

THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION. CHINESE GENERALS LEAVE. SHANGHAI, January 30. j According to Reuter messages from | Nanking, late to-night, reliable quarters reports that tin* National Government have decided upon a declaration of war against Japan. When the Government’s decision will he implemented is unknown, hut it is expected to he done on Sunday, Genera,] ChiamzkaJshek, General Wangchinwei and other important leaders have left the capital, Nanking, for an unknown destination to-day. It i« believed that they are comiflg to Shanghai. There is reported to he a split in the Government, which lends colour to the iVar report, since the Capital now is under the command of General Etoyingching, the Minister of War; General Chenmingsu, Minister of Communications, and General Kuchutung, Commander of the National Guard, tlie.se three forming a military administration. Further reliable reports sta.te that General Chiangkaishek and other officials were compelled to leave the capital when the subordinate generals rebelled against the Government’s “weak ’ policy towards Japan.” The rumours regarding the war de- ' '■•laration commenced immediately a f Lr the departure of General Chiangknishek, indicatin'! that the military fully • intend taking drastic steps against the Japanese.

JAPS WRECK BUILDINGS. BRITISH TROOPS PREPARING. SHANGHAI, January 20. The Japanese inter to-day’s assault, retired to boundaries extending from the Range Road within the Foreign Settlement Proper to a point adjoining the Japanese headquarters. For a distance of a. mile and a-half along the Extra Settlement road,' every shop and house frontage was destroyed by the Japanese bombs and wrecking parties. A large section was deliberately fired, it burning fiercely as motor trucks, loaded with timber and kerosene, set it alight, for the purpose or removing cover for the Chinese sniper.'), and for holding off the Chinese advance jpimedi.>'t«ly thik'Utcning the Settlement, At Chapei there was an important meeting of the Defence Committee at the Foreign Settlement this morning. It was decided that the situation in the Hongkew District, which previously had been left to he defended hv Japanese, required the presence of British troops so as to prevent ally further encroachments by the Japanese forces, .thus endangering the lives of tli e residents from crossfire from the Chinese. It is expected that a force of Royal Scots will he sent to this area at any moment. A Wiltshire Regiment battalion arrived at Shanghai this morning. They will disembark to-morrow.

JAPANESE EXPLANATION.

CONCERNING CHAPEI ATTACK.

RUGBY, January 29

In a- proclamation, which preceded the ajr attack on Chapei, the Japanese Admiral stated that the reason for this action wajs the general restlessness which prevailed in and outside the Foreign Settlement, and there was a necessity in consequence for taking measures to protect. Japanese rhsidents, He mentioned the declaration of a State of Emergency by the International Council as evidence of this nntfest. The newspapers 'however, point out that the declaration of a State of Emergency was evoked by tiie earlier Japanese intimation that notion was contemplated within twenty-four hours. It is stated that the Council's declaration was a men*, ure considered necessary to prepare against possible resulting disorders. A Japanese version of the Chapei clash is that when occupying positions assigned them under the Settlement defence scheme they were attacked both by Chinese regulars and by armed men in plain clothes. They thereupon took extremely drastic action. It is stated that a bomb fell in the French Concession, killing five people.

UNITED STATES AND JAPAN. POSSIBILITY OF CONFLICT. NEW YORK, January 29. Responsible American journals are now seriously considering the possibilities of a conflict between the United States and Japan, over the situation ! in China. j The tone of the comments is mod- | erate, but it is indicative of deep feeling having been universally aroused in the country. The “Kansas City Journal” says : “There is no telling what will happen. If Japan interferes with Occidental nations Or the safety of their nationals, the peace of the world will lie more seriously endangered in the iin media to future than tit atiy time since 1914." The “New York Daily News"’ •states: “Lot uk nil keep our mouths shut, and pray a little. Wo seem to have been drifting nearer to real trouble in the Far East.” The “Cleveland Plain Dealer” says: “Shall there he war between the United States and Japan? Emphatically no!” It adds: “Something should be done to moderate the madness of the Japanese.” The “New York Herald Tribune” says: “A boycott of Japan would not only mean force, but war. The remark of an anonymous British official that an Anglo-American boycott is too absurd to be considered must be heartily endorsed.”

THE AMERICAN FLEET. RECEIVES ORDERS TO STAND' BY. WASHINGTON. January 30. On the heels of the vigorous protest by the United States and Britain againsft the 'Japanese attack on Shanghai, ,the U.S.A. Navy Department today ordered the Amer’cnn Asiatic Fleet to stand by in readiness to protect United 'States lives. “Our fleet.'’ Adnrrnl I’ra.tt said, “will ibe ready (to evacuate jour nationals or jto protect them if a crisis arises where mob rule prevails. Our forces will go in and take whatever steps are necessary to protect our people.”

He also .said that the ships of the Battle- Force would leave. San Diego on 'Monday for winter manoeuvres, off Hawaii, as 'Scheduled, but they would not go beyond there at present. Eight more destroyers .are being prepared at Manila to leave at a mument’s notice for Shanghai. Four arc already en route irom there to Shanghai.

The ""Xbw York TimesV Washington correspondent states: The chief of Naval Opfiralt ions. Admiral Pratt, following on a conferettce with Secretary Stinison, confirmed a report that nearly nil of *tlie United Slates Flei t will he ava la hie .I'm- service in the Orient. A combined American naval unit of isixt,v-(ive vessels, with otu* years siippile- aboard, is at present ait San I’eilro, in fC.ililol'nia. and it is dut- !'> cyijl on Monday for Hawaii fur ma noeii vies. JAPAN’S PLUNDER. CHARITABLE THEORY OF PHCoS. X !-:W YUIiK. -I M nna ry 29. The Xe- Y..-1: sin'' ■ '['lie most -ha lit aI Jo ihory <>l villi has happen d at Shanghai is that He- <( p iiu-e,- .military eommiiu I have blundered sadly. I lie misery "I it a i ■s •lull i h-'se things have been done under III" pretence of a peaceful, and ~V |. M ~f a frilly, assertion ;, | Japan's rights. We caniml say. H it war i" It. is woise I Imp "nr. H

Later, however, the Secretary of State, Mr Stinnson, stated he had consulted with Ambassador Lindsay (Briitain) concerning the making of representations to Japan. He also stated that the United States had communicated with Japan and has just received a,n assurance “that international rights and interests at "Shanghai would not he interfered with.” Mr Stimson said that lie had been informed that Britain also had made representations to Japan, and that Britain and the United States wove now informally communicating tne facts to France and Italy. He said: “No other proposals for international action have been made by the American Government.”

must cause alarm to spread around

1 the world. Apprehension will tend to take the place of confidence. If Japan lias destroyed her standing and j her repute among the nations, then j s3ie has only herself to blame! j AMERICA’S WEAPON. AN ECONOMIC BLOCKADE. WASHINGTON, January 30. Senator Walsh, of Montana, has asserted that Japan could not survive for six months in an economic war with the [Lilted States, since the States hold Japan almost in an economic vice. Senator- Walsh estimated that' ■Japan’s sales of’tea and silk to the United States alone aggregate 250 million dollars per year, which proceeds are used to import food into Japan. ’ Senator Walsh continued : . “If war •should eventuate from the present situation in the Orient, I do not believe that it would be necessary for the United States to fire a .single .shot.”

EUGENE CHEN’S WARNINC.

RELATIONS IN THE PACIFIC

TORONTO. January 30.

The Australian Trade Commissioner in Canada, Mr McGregor, was asked to comment on the recent statement of 'Dr Eugene 'Chen, the former Foreign (Minister for China. Dr Chen’s statement was It hot Japan means to annex Manchuria and 'to dominate the Pacific Ocean, and that 'it is her intention (then 'to proceed to the conquest of Australia,

Mr (McGregor said that he had no fears .that Australia would over fly the Japanese flag. However, he was in Canada to measure the possibilities of trade between Canada and Australia.

? HEAVY CASUALTIES AT CHAPEI. CAPITAL CHANGES LOCALE. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) 'SHANGHAI, January 31. This morning, the Japanese sent- up twenty aeroplanes to demonstrate over Chapei and the Hinterland without bombing. Alleging that a. Hongkew hotel, within the northern ava of International Settlement, housed Chinese Snipers, the Japanese entered at 8 a.m. and cleared the guests oult, isprinlddd ithe piace with '-paraffin, and set fire to it. This was -the first action taken within the settlement against the Chinese seriously Challenging the authority of the municipal 'council. Three days’ fighting in the Chapei environs resulted in enormous damage. It is believed That the Japanese lost five hundred killed, and the Chinese many times more. The removal of the capital from Nanking to Layong indicates an . intention to escape possible attentions from the Japanese fleet up the Yang se river. Food supplies . uii Shanghai are sufficient, for only three weeks, and the price of rice is already sealing. BRITISH TROOPS DEPART, HONGKONG, January 31. Private advice from Shanghai indicates that the Chino-Japanese peace conference has failed. The cruiser, Berwick, departs for Shanghai at dawn to-morrow, carrying a. company of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Meanwhile tiu-hat-ted British troops, and police, are patrolling Hong Kong streets as an emergency measure. HEAVY FIRING RE-OPENS. JAPANESE SAILORS AMBUSHED. (Received this day at 9.25 a.ml SHANGHAI, January 31. Following a prolonged silence in the battle area with whole atmosphere at Shanghai charged with the greatest oi apprehension, heavy firing recommenced at 11 o’clock last night, machine gun and rifle outbursts shattering the silence, but it lasted only for twenty minutes. Unconfirmed reports from Chinese sources, state that two truck loads of Japanese bluejackets, was entered Chapei for the purpose of taking up defence positions, were ambushed and annihiliated. Nanking, to-night, denied any intention of declaring war but asserted that the whole nation aws resolved to repulse the Japanese, regardless of sacrifices. TEMPORARY TRUCE. WARNING TO FOREIGNERS, (Received this dav at 9.25 n.m) 1 'SHANGHAI, January Ifi. 1

The consular body of the Defence Committee conferred all day with Japanese and Chinese officials, hut the outcome was unsatisfactory.

A lengthy conference was concluded in tin* presence of American and Hi iti.sli Consuls. A general suggestion lias been made by foreign commanders that, the Chinese should withdraw two thousand meters from the Settlement, and the Japanese reifrc t-i tlu-ir original position, hut mutual objections were raised by the eon-

tending parties. \n announeemeuit was made, following the conference, that a truce will continue until further notice. A formal d-’clarstjon ot war has not yel h-'i-u made, and jl is now fully realised I ha! i : e safety of the Settlement Is -ci imislv jeopardised. I )i -1 cm- 1 * l'orce s are working feverishl\ mi the la-eoml defence line round the Settlement Proper. All foreigners have bot-ii warm'll to he prepared for a || immediate evacuation within l-110 internal defence lines. Foreign commanders realise the difficulty of defending a twenty mile

j front, should the Chinese make a mass | attack on this area. Intelligence re- | ports estimate that twenty thousand Chinese are coneentraed in loss than four miles from the boundaries, actively preparing for an attack, should the armistice cease. General Glcboff, formerly of the Lzar’s Army, is now raising a strong foi ce of R ussian W iiite-s to assist the defence. JAPAN’S REPLY TO AMERICA. CHICAGO, January 29. I.he Chicago Tribune” states; The cynicism with -which Japan has (treated UjS.A. Secretary Stimson's re- j presentations could hardly have been expected, although -diplomacy ’ Seldom -joints gb much sarcasm in words to j ■such irony in acts. If’ America cannot be brought, by this, to question the j validity of the illusions which Gov-' sistently direct the conduct of its Gov- J eminent in foreign affairs, then it is 1 blind to experience.”

ANGL 0- AM ERIC A N P R OTEST

WASHINGTON, January 30

Britain and the United States have formally protested to Japan against her occupation of Shanghai. Renewed assurances that Japan will scrupulously respect the integrity of the International Settlement at Shanghai were given the United State Government to-day by Tokio. MUNITIONS FOR JAPAN. WASHINGTON, January 30. American munitions experts are interested in the fact that Japan, despite thq low level of her textile industry, has recently made, through agents in the United States, large ’ purchases of raw cotton, which material is readily convertible into explosives. Statistics indicate that Japan now possesses an unprecedented supply of cotton, she having bought 1,069,000 bales in the United States between' ■July and /Dcember of 1931, compared with only 490,000 bales in the previous corresponding period. TO REPORT TO LEAGUE. WASHINGTON, January 30. The latest attitude adopted by the United States and Britain 'towards Eric Drummond’s proposal, is to appoint a commission composed of the representatives of the League members at -Shanghai, to investigate the events 'there, and ;to report to the League.

A TENSE SITUATION. WASHINGTON, January 30. According to the New York Times, there is a feeling prevalent in the circles in close touch with the U.S.A. administration that a change in the ipbovor Nhval (Policy may ibe announced soon, as the result of the Jtensei isihiation in the Far East. The New York “Times” continues: “Some of the President’s strongest supporters believe that unless there is .a , (change for the better ill the China-Japamesß situation, soon, it may be necessary ko authorise delay or the London Treaty construction policy.” Mr- Hayes, of the Naval Affairs Committee of the House, asserted that the present situation warrants prompt •action on ithe pending naval construction legislation. lArthough no one in the Senate is predicting war of any kind between Japan and the United States, the Japanese policies in China have focused attention on -the “possibilities.” JAP ADVANCE DELAYED. SHANGHAI, January 30. Fighting south of Harbin has obliged the British Minister, 8a- Milos Lnmpson, who was proceeding to England on holiday, to return <to Dairen, where he awaits further instructions, possibly cancelling his leave. The -Japanese have reached Taoloieho, midway between Changchum and Harbin, where the Japanese residents retreated within the banking and commercial district, where foreigners are taking refuge, behind sand bag barricades.

_A. 'bridge was destroyed fifty kilorock res south of 'Harbin, thu.s hindering the advance of the Japanese relief force. GERMAN EXPRESSIONS. BERLIN, January 30. The ‘‘Vossissche Zeitung' states: *‘lt is shameful and grotesque that Japanese and Chinese delegates should meet at Geneva :to discuss disarmament when their soldiers are waging a bloody war, Tho PBerlinger TageblutJi” states:— “If the Powers which are indulging in high-sounding phrases at Geneva about world peace remain inactive, then world (pence must become a dead

word " . '['he. “Germania" (Catholic (outre Pa dry's organ) is of 'the opinion that Urn United States and Britain are hotli gtroirdy opposed to Japan's action, ami the paper fears possibly catastrophic consequences.

M.OJIE !' S. BOATS' TO LEAVE

NEW YORK. January 3t».

Aside from the four destroyers a.lreadv en route from Manila >sr the ' Yangtse ports, it is possible* that | more will .shortly leave, particlnarly niter ,10-iiight’s reports- that the Nan- , king Government has decided to do- < la re war against .Japan and that all 'the Government leaders have left Loyang. EXCITEMENT AT GENEVA. GENEVA. January 30. There are rumours that China has decided to declare war. These have caused excited comment at Geneva.