THE FATE OF AMOY

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20496, 12 May 1938, Page 9

THE FATE OF AMOY

SEVERE FIGHTING HEAVY FIRE FROM WARSHIPS BRITISH DESTROYER STANDS BY United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, May 11 The Japanese landed at Amoy under cover of fire from 12 warships, says the Hongkong correspondent of the Times. The Chinese retired until about 500 men were ashore and then engaged the invaders. Severe Lighting occurred and the Chinese claim to have killed 100 and captured 75. Other reports declare the Japanese are gaining ground. The British destroyer Diana and the American gunboat Asheville are standing by at Amoy to take off nationals if necessary, says the Hongkong correspondent of the Exchange Telegraph Company. The landing, according to the Daily Telegraph's Hongkong correspondent, is apparently intended to be permanent, and may be the initial step in the long-awaited South China drive. Canton is greatly perturbed, fearing a thrust from the Amoy area may cut off the vital trade with Hongkong.

Amoy, with a population of over 100,000, has been a treaty port since 1842. It is situated on the small island of Hiamen, about 320 miles northeast of Hongkong and Canton, and has three dry docks and an excellent anchorage, well sheltered and accessible for the largest vessels at all states of Hic tide.