DUEL WITH WARSHIPS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 222, 19 August 1937, Page 9

DUEL WITH WARSHIPS.

EARLY MORNING SHELLING. SHANGHAI, Aug. 18. British and American refugees en route, to Hong Jvong ran the gauntlet of the Chinese trans-river bombardment on the Whangpoo. The firing overnight at Pootung, Kaingwan. and Chapei has subsided. Japanese aircraft were intensely active and heavily bombed the aerodrome, arsenal and docks at Lungchua. The Chinese claim to have completely demolished from the air the Japanese headquarters at Hongkew. The Japanese warships began their

daily bombardment of Shanghai at 5 a.m., the Chinese artillery replying. Tlie duel lasted three hours. Then the Japanese aircraft renewed the bombing of strategic points from Chapei to Woosung, including the Chenu radio linking China with the world. The Chinese have scuttled six Japanese steamers, thereby blocking the river.

Sixteen Japanese transports have arrived at Taku.

The Shanhaikyan-Tientsin railway is choked with their troops and munitions.

One Japanese was reported killed and one wounded by a Chinese mob inside the French concession. The Chinese authorities emphatically deny that they intend to force their way into the French concession to attack the Japanese rear.

Thirty-three Japanese warships are now anchored in the Whangpoo River.

Systematic bombing on the part of the Japanese continued all day long, especially in the,North Station district. The Chinese troops launched a fierce attack-in the Yangtsze-Poo area. The Japanese defenders were materially assisted by .a barrage from the warships. Rumours of an immediate food shortage are discounted. It is believed that sufficient supplies are available for six weeks.

The Japanese occupied Broadway Mansions Hotel, Shanghai’s tallest skyscraper, despite the protests of the British management. A Nanking message says that the Chinese Legislative Council has adopted a law for “national mobilisation” which has been submitted to tlie Government for promulgation. General Chiang Kai-shek’s headquarters announce that the Chinese defending Nankow overwhelmingly defeated the Japanese, killing 50U0. The Chinese casualties are put at 1500 killed.