REDS RUN WILD IN CANTON

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 227, 14 December 1927, Page 1

REDS RUN WILD IN CANTON

WARSHIPS MOVING

Reign of Terror Prevails AMERICANS LAND FIELD GUNS By Cable. —Press Association. — Copyright. PANIC and confusion reign in Canton, which is in the hands of Communist troops, and thousands of people have fled the city. Burning and looting continue without check. The situation is grave.

Reed. 10.30 a.m. SHANGHAI, Tues. A CCORDING to the refugees who are arriving at Kong Kong, Communist troops are freely looting Canton. The situation is extremely confused. All the gold and silversmiths’, •jewellers’ and general stores have been emptied. Newspaper offices have been occupied by members of the Printers’ Union and the plants are idle. The police stations which escaped burning are used a 3 bases for - the operations of Communists. The majority of the residents have difficulty in securing provisions. Prices have advanced outrageously, and paper currency has depreciated 50 per cent. Communists are reported to be dashing hither and thither in the streets, carrying grenades. They are robbing pedestrians of wealthy appearance, stripping rings from their fingers, and tugging ear-rings from women. Communist leaders f.om Canton issued a proclamation in the name of the Soviet., In Hong-Kong, ordering the extermination of landlords, the destruction Of title deeds, confiscation of lands and houses. The American warship Sacramento landed naval troops, with field guns and machine guns, at Shameen to as ; sist the evacuation of nationals. It is impossible tp estimate the enor-

mous damage at Canton from fire and looting. American and German missionaries up country are fleeing before the mobs to Hong-Kong for protection. The warship Vindictive has received a wireless message from Chang, stating that Captain Lalor has been released by the bandits, and is now aboard a British gunboat in hospital. Details are not available. WARSHIP TO RESCUE Latest reports state that the Nationalist forces succeeded in retaining Canton, but were quickly driven out by the Communists, and compelled to retreat to Honan. The struggle continues, with fluctuations in the fortunes. In view of the danger which is threatening foreigners in- Tangshan, a suburb of Canton, the British Vice-Consul proceeded to the rescue in the warship Moorhen, which was subjected to heavy fire from the Communists on the banks of the river. There were no casualties. The mission was successful, and 11 British, 15 Americans and 55 Germans were brought safely to Shameen. —A. and N.Z.

BRITISH OFFICER LOST LEFT ON WALKING TOUR MISSING SINCE OCTOBER British Wireless—Press Assn.—Copyright Reed.' 11.5 a.m. RUGBY. Tuesday. The Governor of Shansi, Yen HslShen, has informed the British authorities at Peking that despite careful inquiries no trace has been found in the province of Lieutenant Knowles, of the British Legation Guards, who has been missing since October, when he proceeded westward on a fortnight's walking tour. He was last heard of in the middle of November, when he stayed for a few days in a Trappist monastery. The gravest fears are entertained as to his fate. —A. and N.Z.