1950-01-12 — Page 1

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CHINA MAIL

No. 34483.

ESTABLISHED FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS

HONG KONG, THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1950.

DISASTROUS FIRE SWEEPS KOWLOON CITY AREA Ten thousand homeless as squatter villages razed SPECTACULAR BLAZE

What is believed to be the biggest fira in the Colony's history cut a swath of destruction through three-quarters of a square mile of densely packed squatter huts in Kowloon City in a four hours blaze yesterday.

British ship bombed by KMT planes

Two Clunee Nationalist ah- planes boreditch at damaged the British meneliant ship, an. Leong Bee, at Swatow yester

day. areordinat to an Uneon- flimited report last night

The 25th Cap

locked In males from You Yu Channel

VAI

with more than all one of earge Where brands as reported to have hit the shig superstructure yesterday aftes ninont,

There were

casualties.

off the ship when the attack took plures

The fire which burned fiercely from 3.18 p.m. until 7.30 p.m. destroyed between 1,500 and 2,000 dwellings and rendered an estimated 10,000 persons homeless.

Throe villages in the Kowloon City district-Sai Tou, Tung Tou and Lung Chow-were com- pletely raxod.

Mr W. J. Qurmanı,

Chief

gre Offeer, Sitid last night Looters prey

was re-

that one Chinese ruan

There was no ported missing other casualty reported.

The Bar falined by # strong Easterly wind m

the beginning. was said to live started amonK the clulers of huts in the centr of the Sa Tou village.

50

on victims

During the confusion luuters, pretending that they wore rush- Ing to and fro to AVO their belongings, took the opportunity of preying on the haiptess vic- time, who were mostly woman and children.

Due to the lack of fire hydrants in the area, and the closely built allers of the huts, the Games Wet'e permitted 10bezo in a (-circular route from the Northern end of South Wall Road The were later supressed Ofleets and cars of the British

squads o!

from police shop were reputed to have been the edge of the mullah that when

separatos Kai Tak airport and numerous stations throughout tho Kowloon City, thence Northward mainland, including members of to the foot of the Chinese Come the Kowloon Emergency Unit, ar- Cha Swat her hour, since the bombing of the Sing Hing nurtery Hill and finally to the North-rived at the scene and a police

cordon wa

was put around, the bun- my. Cloverlak two months ngo,vr mut, of Grampian Hood

Gorman, the ing aren ships have unloaded

According to Mr.

Outside the area thousands of right as a precaution against air Fire Brigade received the alarm

from the Kai Tak airport at about, escapers blocked every road from raics)

3.20 pan., two minutes after 'the all directions.

Assisting the poilco In, keeping Three are engines were des- peace and order were soldiers patched from the mainland are from the RASC and the RAF plus Last Septembar 12. the Leong station. Later two were also des-boy routs from the seventh, 11th,

cargo 111

The Nationalist pianos were also reported to have siratod the dockyard arca, causing some casumities.

Bee was enpluzed by a National-

fire started.

Rutched

from the

Tsimshatsui

station. They were again, followed 25th, and 9th troops, Kowloon,

At least six ambulances, in- by out more engine and one font

cluding

RAF some from the Kwong Wah

St. John's Hospital, Ambulance Bridge, were stationed near the fire area which is rough- ly bounded by Grampian Road

Ja! worship at the mouth of the Yungle River, and detained for three weeks at the Nationalist, from Hong Kong side.

In addition, tire engines from the Army and the nearby Kal Tak were also

Naval base of Tinghat before bw- ing released.

munist ports since July, 1949.

wirport

RAP station

Scenes of big fire in Kowloon

Scenes of the disastrous fire in the Kowloon City area.

Top yesterday are shown abavu,

photo shows fire at its .... hoight with thick column of smoke shooting skyward. The smoke could be seen above the hills from Bhatle in the Naw Territories, aight miles away. Lower photo shows framan playing, komean the blazing embere, that onde, srepresented homes for, thousands of the Colony's poor.

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Nationalists bomb Shanghai, Canton

Taipeh, January 11.

the nullah at the Kal Tak alr- Chinese Nationalist bombers raided Shanghai to-

port. Carpenter Road and the foot

of the Chinese Christian Ceme

She has been regularly running the Nationalp blockade to Com-resent at the scene.

Mr German, who was present ut the scene conducting the fire Bighting was assisted by Mr. V. C. Seymour.

and Mr. H. Brouka, tery. Divisionul Oficers, and Mr. W Scores of Bremen fought the Bre Omeer (Hong from various angles at the holeh! Caynes. Stallon Kong).

of the fire. On many occasions they

MADAME CHIANG

LEAVES U.S.

San Francisco, Jonuary 11

It was estimated that at least did a wonderful job in preventing Madame Chung Kai-shek, ny- 10,000 persons were made home-the fire from spreading to tene- ing to her Beleaguered husband loss. Those people since the out-ment houses which were only a on Taiwan derlared destantly dur break of the conflagration took few yards away from the nearest ing a four-hour stop here:

whatever personal effects they burning hut. "China never will be a puppet could lay their hands on and fled from their burning houses, block- "The American people do not ing every street loading from the know the truth." she went on.

scene of the fire. "They have been deceived by propaganda beyond anything ever sel before a nallen.'

of the Soviet empire."

Then she flew on for Manila her next stop.

whore she will arrive at 4.49 am on Friday.

Mennwhile, in Taipeh, the Hong Kong Chinese newspaper, "In- dustrini Commercial Dally." WO banned today, for saying Madame Chiang Kai-shek was coming to Thiwa to take the Genarallasima into exile.

The newspaper. It is reported

UK removes restrictions

Trade

on Jap

London,' January 11.

All remaining restrictions on

said she pinnned to take Chiang normal trade between Britain and Japan have been remov-

to Switzerland. Associated Pross.

PI BANS CHINESE VISITORS

Manila, January 11. The Foreign Office announced that offective today no. moto Chinose visitors or tourists will be admitted to the Philippines

Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary

in Hong Kong had been ordered

London.

In

Explosions were heard when the Are reached huts whore Imflam- mables were stored. This also as- sisted the fire tr sprending throughout the area so quickly.

day. A 1,000-ton ship in Shanghai's harbour was reported hit directly on the stern by a bomb.

Prico: 20 Cents.

Jessup asked to halt aid to Taiwan

Tokyo, January 11. The roving U.S» Ambassador, Mr. Philip Jessup, has beci asked to halt further aid lo Taiwan.

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Tel. 21433

COMMONWEALTH AGREEMENT ON JAP TREATY

Colombo, January 11.

A press communique issuòd after today's sitting of the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers" con- forance stated that thoro was general agrco- ment that a Japarioso peace treaty should be concluded at an early dato,

The full text of the communique: follows: "In the morning, the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers discussed the subject of a Japancio peace treaty and there was a frao exchango of views of their raspoctive governments. "There was general agreeing the question of Japanese praed ment that a peace treaty should treaty on a basis of draft propos- be concluded at an early date, als made at the Canberra con-

"In the afternoon meeting, the ministers took up the stucY O palition and economie eneditions prevailing In the countries South East Asia.

The omelal

ference in 1947.

Informed sourcos anid Mr. Bovin stressed that as far as tho Commonwealth was concerned a perco settlement for Japan was "eminently destrablo."

Citos difficultios He said there were three urgent

"Their discussion on this nub- ject will be continued nt their meeting tomorrow. economic meeting continued it economic considerations in favour development of concluding a treaty as soon as arising out of the Washingtor possible. At the same time Mr. Devin pointed out the troubles discussiona of September, 1918

examination

In

and of the short term dollar posi-the Western powers were having

In settling peaco tran Lies Uon of the sterling aren."

Europe and cited them as an ex- ample of what might happen in negotiations, to settle the Japa~ nese treaty, particularly since Kusala and China would be tak- ing part in the Japanese deli- berations.

Mr. Ernest Bovin, who is at. tending the Conference hore will leave on January 17 to re turn to London by February or 3 take part in the general election campaign in the Unilor Kingdom,

**་

Foreign that in the

The Commonwealth He will sall in the cruiser Bir Dinisters agreed mingham to Naples, where he wit question of the Japanese peace travel by train to Rome and Paris

decisive trealy the

voice must reeing on his way the Itailun inevitably bo that of the United

Minister.

Count Carle States which bore the brunt and and the French Foreign by for the greatest burden in tha Minister. M. Robert Schuman. Far Eastern war, Polling Day Is February 23. Mr. Philip Noel-Baker,

for Commonwealth Relations Lary announced today that on his way home

Secro-

from the Conference h would make a private visit to New Delhi on January 26,

•

Australia and Now Zealand both emphasised the necessity to "replace"" existing uncertain ar- rangements for Japan by some They permanent arratigement." palated it, however; thn dan- cers of a revival of Japanese. militarism, and sold the only sort of settlement of practlenbio bate Nehru on Japan........ The Indian Prime Minister, at would be one in which the United States could five speciije Me-Jawaharlal Nehru, ir

guarantees to curb or halt...any reported, called for the United further Japaneis aggression.- States to withdraw its occupa-Router and United Press. tlon troops from Japan, addr United Press.

Informed Bources sold Mr Nehru warned that a prolonged might drive the Japan- occupation

ese toward Communism

Mr. Nehru, who made similar

ment and

British Embassy typist shot

in Bangkok

A group of Taiwanese calling themselves "The Association of statements to the Indian Parila- Formosan Chinese residing in

press conferences be- Japan tor the Advancement of Peace." appealed in a letter toore, was quoted as saying: "You cannot keep 80,000.000 people American

Bangkok. January 11. Dr. Jessup to oppose

under milltary occupation for ever.

Four unidentified, gunmen last intervention in Taiwan.

They opposed further "material If the Western powers are wor night shot and wounded. Miss

spiritual"

aid to Nationalisted about Communism in East Elizabeth Parker, aged 23, of China's Gezeralissimo Chiang Asla, the sensible thing would be Chatham-Kent, is typist at the

to drive tho Japanese British Embassy hore, Kal-shek, who has his headquar-Communism by a long occupa- They also wounded Mr. J

Shipley, aged 24, a consulting en- Pakistan's gineer.

For

ters on Taiwan..

not

Informants Fald

American intervention in Tallon." wan they wrote, would "disturb the realisation of peace, and the Ghulam Mohammed and Ceylan's unification of China. They added Premier Don Stephen Senanayake "the Chinese people will never supported Mr. (Nehru's stand... tolerate any such interference."

The attack occurred 100 yards from the United States Embassy, where an official party, to Lismese The conference, ́at a closed leaders of state was, in progress, ession, was såld-to:have agre. Four gunman lesped from the The group has taked Chiang to

ed that all im-

countries which shadows and held up 'a rickshaw end the Chinese civil war

fought against Japan should in which Miss Parker and another participate in the final Japanese Embassy typist were both return- Deado set:lement. Sting to their quarters. Mr. Sharpley Britain's Foreign Minister, Mr. was passing in a car and want Ernest Bevin, opened this mor to their, assistance. He was shot ning's plenary sesion, introduc-pointblank, and pollapsed-Router.

Foochow, seaport capital of Fukien Province, was also attacked. Nationalist D-25 bombers hit mainland bases where Chinese Communists are mounting on amphibious attack on the Chusan islands, guardians of the mouth of Yangtse River, main artery to Shanghai's har bour. The Nationalists use part of the Chu-mediately and to "participate in the gigantic task of national re- san islands as a base.

construction." Fire Brigade officials said that

They suggested that Japanese Fighter planes ranged up, shan islands at the river's mouth many of the huts in the villages

strating for their gunboats engaged in at-"militarists" have been giving aid contained chemical. spinning and down the coast

Red river to Chiang. They called for severe and weaving and fire areakers small craft the Reds may use tacking and sinking

punlahnient of these: Japanese. Factories. Aleo scattered for an invasion attempt against trame to and from Conton.

The despatches sald the Nation-

President Truman's handa-all- throughout the area worn pööres | Taiwan. of timber yards.

Massed Red forces on Lunchow list air force base near Holhow Tolwan statement was approved Peninsula wero bombed. There was being moved to Samah, on in the letter.

the Southern const, because of the Communist forces getting

Arc

Home for Aged

evacuated

of

wooden huts and matahoda'crum-

dy for an attack on Hainan Proximity of Red guerilla opera-

Ipand, off the extreme South

ready

Chinn coast.

tions.

Peking radio claimed yesterday The invasion of Hainan Island that Red guerilins captured three Including r "strategic points," by regular Red troops is expected

near Hollow, last almost hourly, Nationalist de strongpoint

Island

week.

Unofficial missi

mission

Meanwhile, in Washington

Ride BUICK

proposals for an inofficial mia and yo

sion to Talwan by more than 100 Americans, including retir. ed Army and Navy officers, have been turned down by the U.B. State Department.

This was disclosed yesterday

Is the "People's amid the continuing controversy

Anti-British incidents on Taiwan

done to save Talwan from the Chinese Communists.

Diplomalle authorities reported the unofficial mission idea was put forward. by prominent cham- plons of aid to China, before Pro- sident Truman emphatically rul. ed out any direct U.S. Govern- ment support for Talwan with his December 6 declaration. Who the backers were was not disclosed. Associated Press

ed, the Board of Trade an- nounced tonight.

About 105 aged folks who were spatches reported today, according! The broadcast referred to the in Tokyo, official Japanese quartered at the Bethel Mission to United Press.. trado olroles hallod Britain's) Home for the Aged, ware helped Reports, from Holbow, Halman's Red forces romoval, of, Japan from commer. out from their quarters by ser capital, sald more than 1,000 Red Liberation Army"-the name used over what, if anything, can be cial and financial fists of enemyvicemen and missionaries The boats and junks sailed from to refer to the regular Communist countries of the best news of Bethel Mission house is situated Weichow island early week, head-army forces-but there had heer

"no reports of landings as yet, the new yoRT.

Rose, forte or hundred pran od ins al South Easterly, direction Associated Press and United Press. A Trade Ministry spokesman Road, about a few hundred yards

Welchow is predicted the early opening of from the nearest fro.

Three orange-red flames part. Luchow Peninsula, which juts out Nori said the Philippine Cóffkudziło branch of the Bank of Japan y enveloped by thick column from the South China coast to

within 12

12 miles of Hainan, and f greyish and black smoke about 60 miles North West of the not to give visitor or tourist visas Japan would be able to deposit to Chinese nationala.

ven overseas and Britisn banks feet when the fire was

spiralled skyward several hundred Nationalist-held land, da

at its!

nalist despatches Nationalist Exempted from the order are would be able to act as corr height at about 5:30

thor prospective Chinese investors and pondent banks for Japanesa transients-Associated Press.

Strong had begun on the banks. The Trade Ministry be- One after another, briek houses, admitted the battle for Hainau

bind before, the fiery, tlamas which unist, guerilla forces on Hevel that more countries

Would (ullow Britain's ilead in treatine were fanned by the strong wind.

scoring some successes ¦

Tulpeh, January 10. commercially. ann. Smouldering remants were

the munists

One despatch claimed the Com-

The Chinoso Nationalist Govern only things, which were left bo- coastline on the Western part officers In Tamsul to

controlled 30 miles of the ment kas instructed its military (2 pm, KRT) the longer an enemy.

The spokesman predicted a bir mind after the arch had been the island, but said the area was utmost to prevent further anti-

do,. their Page 2 - Intense depression has moved out boost to Japanese shipping which swept by the fire.

Hong Kong labour, altuation. would able, ho thought, to ply

Several households. ` In the under close surveillmee by Na- British demonstrations and, Page 3A pilot sough sterling

with little ueighbourhood avacuated fearing routop

tlocalist gunboath

safeguard the lives and property Release of CAT pilot sought. of British nationalsje

Paga a wide-spread blaze whereas

Canton bambod The way was open for the de- others whose houses were situat

The Governor, Dr. K. C. Wu. Barclay's Bridge. spatch

today, denied Chinese reports that Page A of commercial representa ed farther away from the scene, Lives and the opening of brauch joined hundreds of spectators

Nationaliz

warplanes mean he had suggested that the British Yugoslav Reds Ideological cam- offices in the United Kingdom By from all parts of the mainlandt white were reported to have Consul in Tamsul haul down his ad palgni

Japanese firme, fee

carried out a heavy four-hour flag in order to avold incidents. Page 7

Election date; February 23, The authorities are concerned raid on Canton, principal regr area staging point for the Red over the recent incidents and have Page 8

Engineoring page. amphibious atteok on the strategiven polleu protection to the

consulato in Tamsul and tho Pago WAR ESTA

THE WEATHER

A 9600 GMT

#

aren and a ridge of high proestra extiende meroas „Korea 10 - East of LED. A wikli bill deepening depression is approachid the mouth of the Yangise from the hindrance. khand) a trough has developed; Northwards

along the Fermosa Strakšā,

bloc

The spokecaman forecast a gen

Today's ForecastiModerate winds basking to fresh NB. Closely, at fruk with Hght local rain., Vile later,

Vastordpy's, Wandheri- Maximum's 64.0 deg. Fah 'Malerumis' £8,3 "deg." Tabavn „Bunshinei 10 bourg, 125

Rainfalle Ni. Total ninge, Jan. 1--Trace

na ngalah-an-myorsan of 213 him--Hauter,

Dew Point

exchange eral⠀⠀ limprovement. In transactions, as a result of the cessation of "blind"") transacường.

Brisbane, January 11

ON OTHER PAGES

4

ale, Island of the South China branco in Talpah. U.S. tanks for Talwan-

coast. The chipt. Rergets

Peking

pathetio... Familles that" escaped) from the fire huddled together tion the pavements with all their worldly's possessions and song

the One little girl who was beating

calding

planes were the Wham The denonstrators were a hand- Page 11 pao naval base and the two air soldiers from the mainland. Al- Page 12

tulot diagruntled Nationalist Lund Yun foxyar, her breast, and tearing her halaise, the result of the tomb though oficialdom resents the Finance and dommerce. when the polley would not allow nd her to after the scene, was with

out result comforted by two American women, a

Mr. Clarance :: Goorge 20 Pallim,

| Labour Moviment

the strongest2'arti

Australia;;: difść u today

"(Continued' On.

Britisti, recognition of the Com- Page 18 The Nallonatlsts' also strenie munists there is no noticeable Air, Shipping, diavement thened the blockade of the Fear anti-British sentiment among the Page 14 sh Xivor, wetablishing a base in Wan-civilian population, Router, alle sporty

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