NIGHT OF HORROR

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20259, 30 July 1937, Page 7

NIGHT OF HORROR

LARGE AREAS ABLAZE.

CASUALTIES VERY HEAVY. APPACLINO result of bombing United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrltlit. (Received July 30, 12.10 p.m.) TIENTSIN. July 29. It Is a night of horror In Tientsin. Large areas of the congested Chinese quarter are still ablaze, luridly lighting the evening sky. The casualties are not yet known, but they must be very heavy. Indirect damage as a result of the intensive Japanese bombing Is described as “appalling.” Volunteer lTre brigades did their utmost to stem the destruction, but the flames swept through the ramshackle buildings like bush Are. The situation is now described as quiet. Most of the Chinese are fatalistically accepting the destruction. Many remained impassive even while the 'planes were raining death from the skies. Meanwhile (rained troops of the Nanking Government are approaching Tientsin. Fierce fighting is reported in the vicinity. Marshal Chlang Kai-shek has Issued a statement that China Is determined to fight to the last man.

| HEAVY BOMBARDMENT.

AN AUTONOMOUS GOVERNMENT. ESTABLISHED IN PEKING. STRAY BULLETS KILL FRENCHMEN United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright {Received July 30, li a.m.) LONDON, July 29. Messages from Peking declare that General Chang Tze-Chung is reported to have established an autonomous Government in Peking. Explosions during the Japanese bombardment shook the whole of Tientsin. The Asiatio Petroleum Company’s plant is reported to have been set on Are. Stray bullets killed 15 people in the French concession. , A Japanese communique asserts that 2000 Chinese attacked the Japanese concession, but were repulsed, losing 300. The foreign consuls are attempting to arrange a truce.

THE PLANS OF JAPAN.

READJUSTMENT OF RELATIONS. I WARNING TO OTHER POWERS i INTERVENTION NOT TOLERATED. j United Press Assn—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received July 30, i p.m.) PEKING. July 29. j Contrasting virtual war in Tientsin life to Peking has returned to normal and the defence works have been pulled down. Few’ soldiers are in evidence.

A committee consisting of equal numbers of Chinese and Japanese has taken over the administration. The next steps are uncertain, but it is stated in Tokio that Japan will not tolerate foreign intervention. The Premier told the Diet that England. America and Russia are well aware that Japan Intends to seek a settlement on the spot. He declared that Japan not only seeks a local settlement, but intends fo fundamentally readjust relations with China, as she desires the territorial integrity or China and is resolved to prevent foreign influences from dominating her. The newspapers express anxiety regarding Britain's attitude.

VERY GRAVE SITUATION.

STATEMENT BY MR. EDEN. PROTECTING BRITISH SUBJECTS. ASSURANCE BY COMBATANTS. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received July 30, 1 p.m.) LONDON. July 29. Pn the House of Commons Mr. Anthony Eden, referring to tlie Far Eastern situation, said lighting, accompanied by artillery fire and aerial bombing of varying intensity, continued all day yesterday round Peking. Japanese aeroplanes were active outside the city. The majority of the British sublife in Peking has relurned to normal opportunitv to shelter In the Legation quarter, and most of them are now billeted in tlie British Embassy quarters. The ofllcer commanding has been asked to issue strict orders to the Chinese military and police to ensure the safety of the persons and property of foreign nationals inside tlie city. “ I understand.” said Mr. Eden, “that the Japanese Government and the'loeal Japanese military authorities have given a certain assurance in respect of the safety of British nationals in Peking. His Majesty’s Ch urge d’ Ml ilrcs lias also emphasised to the Japanese Government the serious nature of the ■ situation and the grave dangers in--herent in It.” Mr. Eden agreed with Major C. R. Attlee In emphasising the seriousness nf the situation, hut added that so far as he was aware no Government had asked for reference of the matter to the League of Nations. Mr. Eden spoke of the hop© entrrj tained for the improxement of Far Eastern relations generally, and which j could not materialise so long as the . •li'A&eui conditions continued.