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THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29th, 1927.
THE RED TERROR AT SWABUE.
H.M.S. SERAPH" 'RESCUES MEMBERS "OF ITALIAN · MISSION.
COMMUNIST LEADERS OVERAWED,
REPORTS OF MASSACRE AND PARRICIDAL BARBARISM.
ANOTHER DEMONSTRATION OF COM- MUNISM IN PRACTISE.
The horrible nature of Communism as practised by the Chinese under Russian tutelago was clearly demonstrated by the two 'days of Terrorist rule at Canton. Conditions in the provinces, where gangs of pirates and brigands "are carrying out the principles of the most monstrous of political creeds are beyond belief.
At Swabue a horrible outrage was planned against the Italian and Chinese missionaries, but after the majority had been dragged to prison, one of them, very fortunately, escaped to Hong Kong and reported what was happening to Bishop Valtorta. His Lordship at oace sought the aid of His Excellency the Governor and H.M.S. Seraph was despatch to the scene of the disturbance..
RABBLE BROUGHT TO HEEL.
A curt note "demanded the surrender, of the prisoners and though there was bluster and initial refusal to give up Father Wong, a British subject, the leaders of the cowardly rabble were 300g brought to reason by the sight of the British warship clearing for action and all the prisoners were released.
FATHER WONG'S PLIGHT.
The Christian community at Swabua has undergone great persecution and at least 18 have lost their lives. The whole dis- trict is being terrorised and over a hundred executions are report- ted daily. It is easy to understand why such forces of law and order as remain in China have started & campaign of extirpation against Communism and the foreign fanatics spreading its methods.
A REFUGEE'S STORY.
When H.M.S. Seraph returned to Hong Kong from Swabue" oa Tuesday evening she brought we come tidings as to the safety of three Catholic priests and seven Catholic Bisters who had been taken captive by Communists at Swabue and imprisoned for several days and hourly expecting to be execut
ed.
The first news of what seemed to be certain tragedy was 'brought to Hong Kong on Monday by a Chinese Christian convert who had fortunately been able to escape from the scene of a rule of terror horrible beyond words.
This convert related to Bishop Valtorta immediately on his ar rival the plight of the priests and sisters at Swabus. He gave, bor rify details of the atrocities which are being daily carried out by the Reds at Swabue, which is not a great distance from Bias Bay, and is in a district controlled by the Hoi Luk Fung Soviet.
It appears, from the story told by the escaped Convert, that for some time past small parties of soldiers had been raiding the Catholic Mission House at Swabue, but matters became serious last Thursday at about the time when Fathers were taking their mid-day meal, about one hundred soldiers invaded the house turned the Fathers into a small room, and then proceeded to ransack the Mission. Following this the Fathers and Sisters were imprisoned.
Proceeding with his report to Bishop Valtorts, the convert stated that three priccia and seven sisters had been imprisoned by the Com munists, and that one of the priests, & Chinese, was under sen- tence of death to be carried out on Christmas morning."
Father Wong, the Chinese priest, had been separated from his fellow priests and with chains around is neck and feet he was taken to 6lthy gaol which housed thirty other people. He was given no food at first, but, with the little money they had been allowed to retain, the Italian priests managed to secure him something to eat. It was from this prison that prisoners were led out daily for execution, by the sword,, pistol bullet, ur' hang- ing from the gaol wall.
The crowd "were informed that they had no reason to be afraid, and that the letter simply asked for the surrender of Father Wong, and the release of other missionary [captives:
Eventually, wading Ence-deep into the water, a soldier took off the letter...
There were thirteen axestiona at MILITARISTS LEAVE
Swabue on Christmas morning, nine of the victims being, men and four women One of the victim's alleged offence was that he had shown friendliness to the priests. In another case a woman was shot for. helping the Sisters in the working of the Chinese foundlings Home. This woman knelt down before the executioner begging to be shot, in-' stead of being decapitated or put to death by the slicing method. The rescue party were kept wait-An aged Chinese, of eighty years, ing for half-an-hour before a reply was received from the authorities, who stated in it that they were quite ready to deliver up the Euro- peat captives, but claimed that since Father Wong was a Chinese be must be dealt with by Chinese law.
In view of this unsatisfactory reply as regards Father Wong second note was despatched from the Seraph stating that they had come for Father Wong as well, as be a British subject. The Chinese were warned that they must act quicker in the matter, and Father Wong's immediate release was emphatically demanded. Com- mander Wilmot-Sitwell accompani- ed this demand with an insistence that a time limit be fixed of a half hour for a reply.
Later, a written reply was re ceived, stating that as Father Wong was a British subject he would be delivered over to the Naval party,
COMMUNIST BLUSTER,
This reply contained a blustering protest against the Seraph being present, and claimed that the war- ship had no business in Chinese waters without permission, and went on to threaten that if the visit fire on the warship from the shore. was repeated the Chinese would In a very short time afterwards, however, all the captives, including Father. Wong, were delivered, in- cluding two Chinese foundlings.
The head executioner accompani- ed the captives to the shore, shaking hands with Father Wong before his departure.
NO NONSENSE.
As a sign that no nonsense would be stood, H.M.9. Seraph cleared Later it was announced that for action while negotiations were Father Wong had been sentenced in progress so as to be ready with to execution by the death of her reply in the event of hostilities thousand cuts," and that this was commencing from the shore. to take place on Christmas Day, but the priests asked his geolors to shoot him instead. The sen tence, however, was never curried out.
The other priests and sisters were kept in captivity in their filthy prison and kept in suspense as to their fate.
On Christmas Day there was a huge "Red demonstration in Swabue,"villagers flocking to the city from the surrounding villages At least 15,000 persons took part
in the procession.
The demonstration lasted for over five hours and it was directed mainly at the Christians. It is feared that fifteen Chinese, Chris tians were murdered by the mob, and that some mission servants, who were taken prisoner earlier in the week, were among those killed. This procession was so arranged that it marched past the place in which the priests were held, and they were subjected to every kind of insult and menace.
All this time the sisters had also been held prisoner and very little better treatment was meted out to them.
The report of the escaped convert
Naval parties were also standing by ready for landing if necessary, but Bishop Valtorta was of the opinion that the missionaries would sooner face the supreme sacrifice than have forcible action taken for their deliverance
CANTON.
APATHETIC CITIZENS.
MERCHANTS TO MEDIATE WITH INVADERS.
"NOT MUCH TO STRUGGLE FOR."
and a friend of Bishop Valborta, [FROM OUR CHINESE CORRESPONDENT.) was barbarously put to death by the slicing process. “
Everything was quiet at Cantoa The refugees state that during
up to yesterday evening, December the last two months the executions must have been at least 150 daily 28th, but the shadow of crisis, over- overall districts, the beads of hangs the city and there is's gen victims ornamenting the walls eral air of uncertainty and fear. of the Communist Headquarters, No trains were running for ordinary which are literally painted "Red."
.:
At every execution people are traffic as the military authorities compelled to rejoice and to shout have commandeered the rolling while victims are undergoing the stock for troop movements. All most revolting cruelties. When the leading militarists and politicians, procession of captured priests and
nuas passed toward prison, the except General L'Fook Lam, have bystanders respectfully and sym-left Canton, and at the Government pathetically, maintained silence, offices, no important person can be dreading the fate awaiting their found. benefactors.
4:
slicing process was publicly pro Father Wong's execution by the
elsimed.
The Hoi Lak Fung district is the worst centre of the Communist organisation, many of the members of which are lads and girls of 15 tq, 18 years of age.
媳
"One lad of 18 years, armed with loaded revolver, prodded an Italian priest in the stomach, say- ing" follow me to prison.'
б
TERRIFYING CONDITIONS.
Some idea of the terrible con- istic control in the Hoifung district ditions prevailing under Commun has been gathered from the rescued Fathers and Sisters.
It is related that one of the Tscheka executioners was given a
reward of 8200 for cutting off the heads of 30 victims at a single blow par head, whereas the usual fee per bead is $2, thus he received 840 above the stipulated sum, as a bonus.
•
¡'
A committee of merchants, has.
been formed in Canton City to ap proach the rival military factions when they near the City and do what they can to save it from fur- ther destruction.
General Li Food Lan u still in Canton, although his family have left.
He expects changes which
may effect him personally. He has
the support of the merchants and one of his lieutenants, General Li
of Canton and the preservation of Kwan, is in charge of the defence
order.
General Li Fook Lam has wired
to General Chiang Kai Shek sup- porting his return to power. Gem eral Chan Cheong Po’also wishes to send his troops back to Canton from Kongmoon," and yesterday It is a common saying among afternoon his advance agents communists in the Hoi Luk, Fung district" that better far to kiti Canton-City-intimated that his men 1,000 innocent men thay to allow may be in the City at any time. to escape & single anti-Communist." It is not expected that General Li
The Communists motto is Kil, Kill, Kill," or in other words, Fook Lam will oppose this, pro- blood lust pervades the entire vided that these men will support. district.
General Chiang Kai Shek
05.
Passers by in the streets hare often heard one section of the Com- munists reproaching another sec- tion for not having killed enough victims. The rescued party believed that Conditions are
terrifying the Communists were apprehensive throughout the whole district that of the approach of Canton Gov people are forbidden to speak in ermanent anti-Red
and whispers for fear that if caught troops, therefore held as hostages the speaking in undertones to one a missionaries, who would no doubt other they will be accused of con have been put to death in the event spiring against the Communist of an attack. The missionaries organisation
stated that they saw no hope of being released until H.M.S. Seraph arrived repeated requests to leave in junks having been refused
Before the captives were allowed to depart they were warned that they must not return to preach Christianity.
WELCOME ABOARD THE *** SERAPH."
Once on board H.M.S: Seraph, the rescued priests and sisters received the kindest treatment from Com. mander Wilmot-Sitwell and the officers and crew.
The Seraph left Swabue.during
to Bishop Valtorta concluded with the forenoon of Tuesday, and ar the news that the mission building | rived at Hong Kong late in the and Convent Orphanage had been afternoon. completely sacked and closed down. Naturally this report caused. Bishop, Valtorta thegreavest_ap.
the Governor (Sir Cecil Clementi,
BISHOP VALTORTA'S THANKS.
letter conveying his most grateful Bishop Valtorta has addressed a
The mass of residents are apathe- tic.. Those who have property worth a great deal have removed everything portable elsewhere.
As there is now not much left to be struggled for in Carton, the fighting will not be very serious. As far as the Reds" cerned, they are all gone, but many
are con-
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ties, so sacred among of those who looted and destroyed Music Co., Ltd.
Chinese, no longer have any in fluence in Haifung. In fact one part of Canton City are still in the young lad was his father's accuser. City, but they are simply unemploy
In another case a lad looked oned and ignorsat coolies who would and laughed while his father was take any chance possible to steal dragged to prison.
THE COMMUNIST POLICY.
The district referred is stated to be in the main as under
Communist policy in the
The destruction of capitalists. The killing of every village
owner.
The killing of opium smokers. The killing of gamblers. The Filling of people who live on the proceeds of prostitu- tion,
And lastly, the extermination of all Christians in the coun-
try,
The priests were Fathers .prehension, and he called on E.E. Robba and L. Bianchi (Italians), and Father Wong, who is a British F.C.M.G.) late on Monday evening subject, born in Hong Kong.
There were also imprisoned the soliciting assistance for the mission thanks to H.E. the Governor and through the prompt arrival of Canzossian Sisters Cleofe and Bishop Valtorta was then placed to Admiral Tyrwhitt and the officers.
Lizetta, the Italian Sisters Roman, and Filipina, and four Chinese
Дива
aries.
in touch with Vice-Admiral Sir and men of H.M.S. Seraph for the Reginald Y. Tyrwhitt, K.C.B., promptness of the Seraph' des D.S.O., D.C.L. (Commander-in patch and for the manner by which The convent which housed about Chief of the China Station) who accomplished without incident. He a completely successful reserie was 30 girls, in addition to the Sisters
immediately ordered E. M. 8. mentioned was raided by the Seraph to prepare to leste for also returns thanks on behalf of the soldiers after they had finished wabue. The Seraph is command. priests and sisters for the kindness with the Catholic Mission, and the ed by Lieut. Coindr. R. B. Wilmot shown to them after their rescue. Sisters were forced into the Mission Sitwell, and she steained out of They are especially grateful for the at the point of the rifle, protesta Hong Kong Harbour at midnight, rescue of Father Wong. tions of the priests being met with Bishop Valtorta, who formerly
further threats.
was
in the absence of Police or troops. The present Police is now ineffec tive because unarmed.
As there is now no responsible authority in Canton, the paper money has gone down to less than
55.
The Banks in Shämeen reopened for business on Wednesday morning, and there was a rush to make re- mittances to Hong Kong. have planned to depart for Hong
[NAVAL WIRKLESS.]
Many
With relation to the Chinese Kong before the threatened storm priesta, Father. Wong, a British breaks. subject, born in Hong Kong, who among the party rescued
SWATOW, Dec. 97th. The latest news from Swtow H.S.M. Seraph, it is interesting to note that he baptized three prison regarding the situation there is that ers while he was in gaol Ever the impressment of coolie by the
captives were led day a number days in the prison Father Wong now ceased, and the normal work- out to execution and during his five local troops as baggage carriere has was the means of comforting many Chinese prisoners before they were ing of cargo ships has been re- led away to die.
The priests and sisters were told served as a missionary in the dis. | RUSSIAN SOVIET METHODS Mission House where the rescued
OF MURDER.
teervd. There was also on board a The European priests were eye Chinese priest named Chan, a rewitnesses of executions from their
prison windows, fugee from Swabue.
that they had been arrested, bytrict in question, going as inter- the Communists for preaching and preter, a post for which he volun- practising Christianity. They were paraded through the streets, and ultimately the priests and sisters were imprisoned in a filthy place which was termed a Chinese Hotel,
racks.
and which the Communists had con- fiscated for use as a military bar
At first the captors ordered the Chinese nuns to be led to the common prison, but when the priests protested the Chinese runs were allowed to join the Italians.
In the meanwhile the Mission had been sealed and the Italian Fathers were kept in their filthy place of confinement and reviled by the soldiers. They were given no chance of sleep, soldiers making merry, and, keeping gramophones playing all
night
A COWARDLY RABBLE. ·
Interviewed yesterday at the
party, are staying at present, one of the priests was asked what would have happened if a Naval party had been compelled to land at Swabue, and whether it would have been a serious matter, the
Bumed.
HEAVY RICE SHIPMENT.
TO FEED CANTON.
at Canton.
Those who have been rendered The Seraph arrived at her des Executions, they slate,WEZA K
homeless and those who have suf tination at dawn on Tuesday, and daily occurrence, excepting on one priest replied that in his opinion fered heavily, from the depreciation
rescue party, commanded by occasion last week when the ap: if a landing had beer effected the Lieut-Comdr. Wilmot-Sitwell put pearance of Revenue launches at Naval party would have had of the Central Bank of China potes, off in a moter-boat and a whaler. anchor at Swabue restrained the Swabue themselves, for although are being cared for the authorities
As the boats approached the Communists from carrying out there was a large force of Com shore, a crowd, of some least 300 their daily dole of murder. munists, mostly of the peksant type, soldiers assembled. They showed Executions have been carried out they were arrant cowards at great surprise and alarm frantical in all thirteen administrative cen-heart, although bullies, and they y gesticulating to the Naval party tres. Ho Luk Fung district is would have quickly taken to their now completely terrorised by the heels. The Communists were as and signalling them not to land
A white Ang was Rown by the Communists who murder, at will tounded when they saw HM.B. who indicated after the manner of Tcheka methods Straph arrive, but if it had been Naval party,
necessary to land a party to enforce through Bishop Valtorts, who held in Rusma
The victims are often sem being the release of the captives very up a letter written in Chinese, and
Communists would addressed to the Chief of Police at led in a procession with parringe possibly the Bwabue, that they had a letter to through nose and ears and bound hare killed them before running deliver to the Communist leaders, 1 with rope.
AWAY.
Cheap rice depots have been open in several quarters of Canton, where the victims of the “! Reds' devastation, may buy the cereal at
much reduced price.
✡
The Taishan left here. at mid- night last night with, as full ship- load of rice for Canton.
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