1932-02-18 — Page 9

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS

FEBRUARY 18, 1932.

BRITISH SAILORS SUCCUMB TO WOUNDS NO JAP INVASION LEAGUE'S APPEAL TO

STRUCK BY SHELL WHILE GUARDING

HONGKEW WHARF

Itwo Chinese and wounding savoral

others.

During the shelling of the: Woo- sung area, the cable of the Great

Company presumably by a shell-

40 BUILDINGS DAMAGED IN YESTERDAY'Soverod,

BOMBARDMENT

ANTI-JAPANESE ACTIVITIES MUST CEASE:

PART OF JAPAN'S ULTIMATUM

JAPAN MAY POSTPONE MILITARY

ACTION

[BRITISH NAYAL INTELLIGENCR.]

HONG KONG, February 17. A‚BA, C. Prior and A.B"H; A. Francis of H.M.S. Suffolk were wounded at 5 am, to-day by Chinese shell-fire. These men formed part of the guard at Hongkow Wharf. They are intering from multiple shell wounds and their condition is reported as critical.

SAILOR'S SUCCUMB TO WOUNDS

HONG KONG, Feb. 17, 8.30 p.m. ABLE SEAMAN FRANCIS, WHO WAS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED WOUNDED AT SHANGHAI, HAS NOW DIED. HONG KONG, Feb. 17, 10.30 p.m. ABLE SEAMAN PRIOR, WHO WAS REPORTED WOUND, ED THIS MORNING, HAS DIED,

(THROUGH REUTER'S, AGKNEY.).

SHANGHAI, Feb. 17, 10.18 p.m. ABLE" SEAMAN "PRIOR AFTER AN OPERATION DID NOT REGAIN CONSCIOUSNESS. HE DIED AT 9.45 P.M.

FIVE CHINESE CIVILIANS KILLED

(From Our Own Correspondant.)

SHANGHAI, Feb. 17, 7.36 p.ra.

Able Seamon Francis and Prior, while on guard duty at Hongkew Wharf were struck by a ``high explosive shell. The latter being badly wounded in the head to which he has suc- cumbed.

Able Soxman Francis: was wounded in both legs, which were ampulated and is feared ha may not live.

U

Five Chinese civilians were killed and fourteen wounded, Forty buildings were damaged, following an artillery dus) along extra Settlement ronds. Other civilian casualties are re ported, details of which are not ascertainabis,

Chinese troops for the first- time used comparatively high- explosive abolia. in response to the new Japanese heavy gnus,

OUTLOOK NOT CHEERFUL FOR "JAPAN"

(THROUGH ARUTER'S AGENCY.]

SHANGHAI, Feb. 17, 7.34 p.m.

Ablo Scaman Francis has died and "Able Seaman Prior is Blaking.

The police report that forty-Ove shells are recorded as having fallen in the Settlement yesterday night, while four people were killed and fourteen wounded..

11

Mr. Shigemitsu, when interviewed by Reuter, confirmed Tokyo's statement. He stated that Japan would give the 19th Army a short period in which to withdraw voluntarily, and if it did not withdraw the Japanese Consul-General would present so ultimatum with "a short time limit to the Mayor of Greater Shanghai, Mr.. Wu. Te Cheng; while General Uyeds would simi. Jarly present as ultimatum to General Tini,

Mr. Shigemitsu expressed the hope that the local situation would be solved without further hostilities, but he seemed de- pressed at the outlook and added that the Chinese evacuation would naturally include confirmation of Wu Te Cheng's promise that all anti-Japanese activities would cease...

It seems there is every probability that Japanese military action will be postponed at least for a week.

JAPANESE RE-OPEN BOMBARDMENT

SHANGHAL, Feb. 17, 10.21 3.m, The Japanese batteries, Gold-guns and howitzers, opened up a torvifio bombardment late last night.

The intensive fire from dozens' of Runs was kept up the whole night through, the Chinese batteries reply- ing steadily."

Exceedingly few residents in the Settlement got much sleep, the din being terrifie

4

anally about live this morning, a shrapnel shell hit the pontoon alongside which the Lado-China's Suiwo was lying.

.. A TERRIBLE WOUND- Francis and Prior and another rating wees on the pontoon for the purpose of preventing Chinese re- fugees on the wharfs de rushing on

od.

HOPE OF "PEACE ABANDONED?

OF CANTON

MAYOR CHING INTER- VIEWED BY PRESSMEN

(From Our Own Correspondeat.)

JAPAN

HOPE THAT JAPAN WILL ADOPT

CONCILIATORY ATTITUDE

EMPLOYMENT OF FORCE WILL ONLY AGGRAVATE SITUATION

THROUGH REUTER' AGENCY.]

After a long discussion, the undertake to respect the territorial GENEVA, Fow, 16: Article . members of the Longue League Council decided to adopt Sir John Simon's suggestion that another appeal he made to Japan to refrain from hostilities.

burst, and for two hours, Shanghai was without cable communication

CANTON, Feb. 17, with the outside world as the East- ora line and the Commercial Pacific

Major T.. K. Ching, in an inter- were both severed during the bom-view with Press "repřoscutatives bardment of Woosung Forts soine to-day, stated that, inspite of the days ago and have not been repair-persistent rumours current, no nd- The Northorn Talograph Com-ditional Japanese men of war. "ATÓ, pany, however, got emergency lines coming into. Kwangtung“, watera?! working in a short time by reason There are, he went on, only two,amall of the special arrangementas (nado gunboats in the Province, one in by the Company in anticipation of Canton and the other in Swatow. such an interruption, and this morning the service was working The one in Cantor has been here normally

for over a

a year. The sole purpows of their presence is to protect Japanese nationals in. Kwangtung: There is therefore no anxiety to bo falt and the people should go About Toxyo, Feb. 17,

their daily business happily. Following Mr. Shigemitsu's in-

Asked if the current report to the timation that hope has been aban- doned of persuading the Chinese effect that Japan has again decided voluntarily to withdraw, the Japan to despatch a fleet of gunboata to ese Government has authorised the Canton is true, the Mayor said, presentation of an ultimantum, warni

"No, absolutely not? "If it were ing to the Commander of the Chi nose 19th Route Army that the

true," he emphasized, the Japan- Japanese will be compelled to use eso Consul General in Canton would faroe it he fails to withdraw twenty havo informed the. Municipal Gov- kilometres north-west of the Intererament about it beforehand in Tow, natonal Settlement of Shanghai accordance with the usual inter-

It is two pages long and e-vers within a specified time."..

national practice But, thus far noch the same ground as the de informations to that effect have been claration of the President read at received from the Japaness Con the last meeting of Council, and sulate here""

refers to Article. X. guarantosing the territorial integrity of members of the League, pointing out that a violation could be recognised.

It is authoritatively stated that the ultimatum applies only to the 19th Army and not to Chiang Kai Shok'a troops.

SUFFICIENT TIME” TO

RETREAT

...

“Has anything of importance cropped up concerning Sino-Japan on relations in Canton" the Pressmen naked. SHANGHAI, Feb. 17.. Nothing special," Mayor Ching Beyond instructions that "suf-replied. The Japanese Consul- ficient time" would be given to General in Canton took exception enable the Chinese to comply with laat week to certain Press reports the Japanese demands, Mr. Shige-appearing in the various Canton mitsu has been told to use his own papers." discretion in Axing the time limits within which the withdrawal is commenced and completed,

It is understood that General Ureda. will present the ultima to General Toni, while Mr. Shige mitsu will again remind the Mayor of his promises made on January

29.

It is authoritatively stated that Japan is ready to accept the good offices of other Power represents tives if they desire to participate in the final negotiations for the Withdrawnt, moreover, if Genera Taai complies with the Japanese demands, the Japanese would wel come the presence of geutral ob servera to see the withdrawal is carried out properly.

What is the attitude" of the Provincial Government of Kwang tung towards the different Bio- foreign problemst "k

The meeting of the Council last ed from five o'clock until 6.30. It was decided to address an appes! forthwith to Japan, reminding her of her obligations under the League Covenant and urging a cessation of hostilities.

That appeal was communicated to the Japanese dolegation this even- ing and will be published to-mor-

Text of Note.

BALANCING THE BUDGET

R

LATEST FIGURES

SATISFACTORY

[BHXTS WIRILMAN SERVICE

Ruour, Feb. 18 The weekly Exchequer receipta issued to-night are again highing antisfactory.

Last week's revenus amounted Lo £33.7 millions and as expenditure was only a millions, the surphing on ther week totalled £76.7 millions This reduced the deficis during the

the present date was £98 millions. millions. The defuit last year alıy week from £100 millions to 2743

integrity and political independenes of other signatories, and that may

Income tax and surtax recip continue satisfactory. The revised enrcasbraent on these stiparations shese sources of £345 millions of

Budget contemplated a total from

could not be regarded as valid

which £205.3 millions had boan re The Council declares that Japare millions remain to be collected be

ceived up to Saturday. Thus 70% must justify bersoff in the pubefore the financial year ends on opinion of the world by modera tion, and appeals to Japan to show horselt worthy of the confidence which all Powers have in her sense of responsibility:

The appeal was drawn up by the Council, the Chinose and Japanese. delegates, not being present,

UNLIKELY TO LEAD TO

SETTLEMENT

JAPAN BLAMED POR' -PRESENT SITUATION

LONDON, Feb. 17. The slight relief felt at the League's appeal to Japan was largely set off by the news of the Japanese ultimatum, and it is felt GENEVA, Feb. 17.

that the League's appeal is unlikely The Council's appeal to Japan to lead to a slackening of Japan's favours exhortation rather than approparations for an offensive. peal, pointing out that only by co-operation of responsibility could it assure the maintenance of inter national relations and the employ ment of force would only aggravate

on the world encrally? the situation, reacting unfavourably

Government towards any. Sino The attitude of the Provincial foreign problem," ho answered,

The appeal drans Japan's atten is in strict accordance with inter- tion to her responsibilities as a with the wishes of the people manent member of the Council. national law and justice coupled member of the Lenge and a per. Notwithstanding the deplorable. It expresses the hope that Japan happenings at Shanghai, the rari will adopt a conciliatory and wise aus Government, organs here are attitude and declares that the working as usual” a

Shanghai tumble. broke out after

to be calm and happy paying with the consent of both parties, In conclusion, he urged the people (ther appointment, of a Commission

The Council's action is hailed by the Liberal Press, as an advance on anything the Council has yet done.

associated

March 31, whereas last year the amount outstanding at this date was £118 millions. W

has received £167.3 millions come

Since January 1, the Exchequer

pared with £111.5 milliona in the corresponding period of last year from these sources.

Customs revenue is also showing In weekly increase and. £33. millions more were received than at the lame date last yend.

THAMES STRIKE TO END

RESUMPTION EXPECTED

TOMORROW Ł

(BRITISH) W) BELESS. SERVICE.)

Ruaar, Feb. 1607 The strike of Thames lightermen and tugmen is expected to cad an the result of negotiations proceed ing between the man and employers

Work will in all probability be resumed on Thursday morning.

The Manchester Guardian wal ponnes the implication that the Council has at last recognised that Japon is primarily responsible for the present situation, but points out that the susceptibility of the from the Lengte or Japanese Government to appeals Powers has been shown to be negli gible..

Approval at Washington. -

meets with repcral approval at Mesawhile, the Losquels, appeal

no attention to disturbing false and endangered the lives and pro- Washington where it is considered perty of foreign nations, besides to be on the mine lines, as Mr. threatening the progress of the Stimson's Notes" to Chulan much. Disarmament Conference,

Japaar in Farrary. It is not reunal While recognising Japan's legied whether the United States fly Truckloads of munitions, stimate grievances, the Council re- Government was consulted prior to plies and man streamed towards prets that Japan has not yet been the Council's action, but it is Hongkow Park all day long, Japan-able to accept its method for a pointed out that the attitude of the cao civilians cheering the troops as peaceful settlement under the terms United States Government through they passed.

of the Covenant, whereas Chins out has been one of 'co-operation. Throughout the day there was has accepted all the Leamie's pro. with the League, while reserving only desultory firing, but it seems posals, and points out that under her right of independent action. 3. The War Minister when inter- certain that the next forty-eight viewed by Reuter said that the hours will witness important deve- Chinese troops were fully pre-lopments. Both sides seem equally pared for the forthcoming Japanese confident regarding the result of the offensive, which is not expected for impending battle......

CHINA CONFIDENT

PUEO, Feb. 17. Chiang Kai Shek, Wang Ching Wei and other Chinese leaders are busily conferring at Puchen, north ward of Pulcow,

a fow, daya The War Mister is confident of ultimate Chinese Ruc- CCB8.

FUNDS FOR THE 19TH. ARMY

[REUTER'S AMERICAN SERVICE]

in

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 10. A house-to-house collection San Francisco's Chinatown this afternoon, for funds to aid the Chinese forces in Shanghai, yield- ed a quarter of a million dollars gold.

USE OF POISON GAS DENIED

• WASHINGTON;" Feb. 16. An emphatic denial that the Japanese are intending to use poi son gas in their operations around Shanghai has been issued by the Japanese Military Attaché,

I have received information from the Japanese General Staff,"

says, "that the Japanese, forces. have never used., poison gas and have no intention of using it in,

to the Suiwo. As the shrapnel came from the ground their tim bats were "NAVAL RATINGS HIT

useless. Prior was hit on the back of his head, a terrible wound, while | the future. This morning, one shell, presum Francis was hurled between the ably Chinese, landed on

one of

pontoon and the ship's side, luckily Mesars. Jardine's wharves at Yang he did not fall into the river. 1stopco, alongside which was the .. third rating escaped unharmed. Suiwo.

five injured.

Three Chimes were killed and

The shall exploded wounding several' passengers on the steamer which suffered some damage, and also wounding two British naval ratings from E.M,S. Suffolk, who were guarding the wharf.

t

Doctor Milner, from the P. & 01 Carthage, which the Chinese gun. pers had apparently mistaken for a Japanese transport,imanodiately went to the scene and readered invaluable, and most skilful first aidy after which Prior and Francis were rushed to the General Hos

Honghew Wharf and more than ten Altogether six shells fell on the in the vicinity....

Shamona, Feb. 17. Two British seamen, among the party guarding the British-owned Hongkow Wharf, were seriously in-pital. jured by Chinese shell-fre, which It is believed was intended the ship which was actually British, but was mistaken for a Japanese transport. They are Able Seamer Prior, who is suffering from a shrapnel wouzd in the back of his head, and Ahic Seaman Franels, who reboived in fractured femur. Little hope is held for their recovery, Di

The Chinese shelling began at 17 p.m. yesterday. A number of shels

3

SHELL KILLS TWO IN SETTLEMENT

1THROUGH DEUTER'S AGENCY.]

ان کار

- SHANGHAI, Feb. 17, 18.34 p.m.** During last night's bombardment, falling, on. Breedway, fireet, run-abclls, fell juto, the Settlement be ning parallel to the waterfront, and bind the American liner, killing

rumours.

DEPRESSION IN WASHINGTON

(REUTER'S 'AMERICAN SERVICE]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.

signs of Chinese troop, movementa Along the Peining-Mukden Railway towards Manchuria, or to surds Jehol, but it is expected that sme Shausi troops will shortly b brought to Hopei or Shantung.

In some Chiness, circles, "it is asserted that the Japanese intend to send a strong force to Haichow

Sir Ronald Lindsay called at the State, Department again to-day and conversed at some length' with dry Castle, the Under-Secretary of or Tsingtao for the invasion of State, who also talked with M. Shantung, and declare that the Claudel, the French Ambassador" Central Government has ordered

The feeling of depression in oficial circles regarding the Far two hundred thousand troops to Eastern situation persists. It is concentrate in Shantung to with- believed that there is little hope stand the invasion.

that the Japanese will refrain from Preparations for the formation' a large scale attack unless the of an

independent autonomous Chinese voluntarily" withdraw, Manchurian Government are being. which is most unlikely, s

rushed. ment is a matter, giving rise to Shells dropping into the Settle- increased anxiety, but Washington officials believe that the Consuls are doing their utmost to protect the foreign concessions.``

4.

Governor of Harbin, arrived yes

General Chang Ching Huei, the terday, General Ma Chun Shan in expected by aeroplane to-day.

PU YI STILL FAVOURITE But Pu Yi is still the favourite candidate for the Presidency, being specially backed by the Manchu General Hai Hain. Then present conference at Mukden be tween the Manchurian leaders is The Toroign Office has instructed only preliminary, it is believed.

FRENCH REMINDER TO JAPAN

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]

PARIS, Feb. 16:

"

"Our troops are equipped with devices for laying "smoke screens, which are only a means of cover ing their movements, The smoke the French Ambassador in Tokyot is expected that the inaugura-

set up does not contain any poison ous elements."

NO MORE FLYING OVER SETTLEMENT

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.]

Shanghai, Feb. 10.

to join the Anglo-American deware of the new State will take she reminding the Japanese Govern place at Changchun later. mens of the necessity for respecting. the status of the International Settlement in Shanghai.......

· CHINESE TROOPS ON THE MOVE

PRIPING, Feb. 16.."

GENERAL MA» ARRIVES

General Ma Chan Shan, the de fender of the Nonni River and Tsitsihar against the Jayisness, arrived at Mukden by air this afternoon from Harbin, to attend. the conference scheduled for to night.

An assurance that Japanes aero- planes will no longer fly over the There is no longer any doubt that Bettlement is contained in a letter considerable troops movements are to the Municipal Council from the going on in North China, though Japanics Consul-General, Mr. their exact significance is by no "DINES WITH HONJO Murai.

means certain. Japanese troops were to-day busy It is understood that the Central

"Ganarul "Ma Chan Shan", dined: inking over the positions held by Government, whose headquarters are with his recent enemy, General the Japanese marines and blue to-day at Loyang, recently ordered Honjo, the Japaness commander- jackets since the "war" broke out the Northern commanders to be inchief in Manchuria, others pre. on January 28.

prepared for eventualities agamat sent being Tang Shih Yi, the When the change has been com Japan, which apparently meant chairman of the Kengtien Govern, pleted, the marines will take over that they were to prepare for posment, Chang Ching Hai, comman police and patrol duties behind the sibis defensive warfare.

der-in-chief of the Harbin area, lines.

The foreign authorities in Pei- and General Hai Hain, the chair (Confinuca on next column.). ping still declar that there are, no I man of the Kirin Government.

PREMIER'S GOOD PROGRESS

LEAVING NURSING HOME TODAY

[ARTTIBEL AYIZZLESS SERVICE]

RUGBY, FL 18 The Prime Minister will probab as the nursing home to-mor row, having made, good recovery from his operation. day Cabinet meeting, and will re He may attend the usual Wednes main in London for a few days bes fors leaving to take the three weeks' rest ordered by the doctor.

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