SHANGHAI SHELLED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 218, 14 August 1937, Page 9

SHANGHAI SHELLED

TANKS READY TO ADVANCE. JAPAN WELL PREPARED. LARGE-SCALE ACTION EXPECTED. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, Aug. 13. The Japanese have commenced a bombardment of parts of Shanghai. Several big fires have started. Fighting seems fiercest along the old Sliang-hai-Woosung railway. Sporadic sniping occurred in other sectors. The Chinese allege that the Japanese fired first. The Japanese appear to be preparing a large-scale action. A battery of field guns has been brought up and tanks are also preparing to advance.

A T’okio Foreign Office statement ascribes the situation ,in China and brutal murders of Japanese sailors has aggravated the persistent provocations. Chinese forces are menacing the safety of the International Settlement.

A Shanghai'message states that General Chang Chic-chung has been appointed to the supreme command of the Chinese forces in the Shanghai and Nanking areas. A Shanghai cable says that the Chinese authorities have protested to Japan at the “invasion of Chinese territory.” The Minister of Finance has ordered all Chinese banks, including the Bank of China, to close for two days, adding that fear and confusion are reigning at Shanghai, where thousands are pouring from the native quarter, encumbered by their possessions. The danger of hostilities spreading to the International Settlement cannot be dismissed. The British cruiser ('umberland, with the commander-in-chief of the China Station aboard, is en route to Shanghai. A Tokio message states that Cabinet has decided to “invoke the right of self-defence in Shanghai in drastic manner,” according to the newspaper Asalii Shimbun.

The British United Press agency correspondent at Shanghai says the Chinese say a Japanese patrol attacked a Chinese position in the Cliapei district and made a charge across a railway track along the edge of the International Settlement. The Chinese stood firm, fighting from behind sandbag barricades. Other clashes between Chinese and Japanese occurred simultaneously at the Tientungnan railway station, near the headquarters of the Japanese landing party, and on the East Paoshan Road.

REARGUARD ACTION. CHINESE RETREAT FROM NANKOW. Received August 14, 9.60 a.m. LONDON, Aug. 13. After occupying Nankow, north-east of Pekin, the Japanese attacked Chinese positions in Nankow Pass, where 4000 Chinese fought a stubborn rearguard action. It is feared that the Chinese may blow up the railway tunnels, thereby crippling transport. The bombardment by the Japanese warship is gradually destroying the newly-built £1,000,000 Jukong wharf. The Chinese are dynamiting bridges in the hope of stopping the Japanese advance.

The British United Press correspondent at Shanghai says that foreign bankers are resolved to carry on business as usual. , Two additional Japanese destroyers have joined in the bombarding of Chinese positions between Whangpo and Iviangwan. The bursting shells. .of the latter bombardment are visible frora the International Settlement. It is feared that the modern Chinese Civic Centre will be demolished. Chinese are mustered near the Honan Gate and are sniping the advancing Japanese.

DEFENSIVE MEASURES. FOREIGN TROOPS ACTIVE. (British Official Wireless.) Received August 14. 10.40 a.m. RUGBY, Aug. 13. Reports from Shanghai state that a serious situation continues there. In the International Settlement precautionary defensive measures have been taken and British, French and American troops are standing by, while the Shanghai volunteers have been mobilised for the protection of life and property. A battalion of Royal Welsh Fusiliers is being sent from Hong Kong to Shanghai to assist in these precautionary steps.

INFLUENCE FOR PEACE. (British Official Wireless.) Received August 14. 10.40 a.m. RUGBY, Aug. 13. The situation in the Ear East continues to he closely watched by the British Government, which has consistentlv used its influence in favour of peace and moderation. Large numbers of refugees are pouring into the International Settlement.