1932-02-20 — Page 9

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1932,

CHINA REJECTS JAPAN'S ULTIMATUM

BIG PUSH SHOULD BEGIN THIS

CHIANG MARCHING ON SHANGHAI

JAPAN MAY SEND STILL MORE TROOPS

MANY SHELLS FALL IN SETTLEMENT

WOMEN AND CHILDREN MAY EVACUATE

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ULTIMATUM MERELY ACKNOWLEDGED

CHINA DELAYS OFFICIAL REPLY

(THROUGH REUTER'S... AGENCY,):

SHANGHAI, Feb. 19, 123 p.m. MAYOR WU TEH CHENG AND GENERAL TSAI TING KAI "DELIVERED THE CHINESE REPLY TO THE JAPANESE ULTIMATUM TO CONSUL-GENERAL MURAI AND GENERAL' UYEDA AT 7:30 P.M.. THE CONTENTS WERE NOT DIVULGED, BUT WANG, CHING WEI WHOM THE

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT ENTRUSTED WITH FULL "POWERS TO HANDLE THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS, TOLD REUTER THAT NANKING HAD CONFIRMED THE EARLIER COMMUNICATION FROM NANKING, AUTHORITATIVELY.

** LATER.

THE REPLIES WERE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS OF THE ULTIMATUM, WU TEH CHENG STATED THAT HE HAS SUBMITTED" CONSUL.GENERAL MURAP'S LETTER TO THE FOREIGN MINISTRY.

GENERAL TSAI TING KAI, IN POINTING OUT THAT HIS TROOPS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE CHINESE ARMY, WHOSE ORDERS DIRECT ITS ACTIONS, ADDS THAT HE.

SUBMITTED HAS THEREFORE

GENERAL UYEDA'S LETTER TO THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT- AND FOREIGN MINISTRY, WHO WILL COMMUNICATE IN DUE COURSE WITH THE JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY. DIT APPEARS LIKELY THAT CHINA'S OFFICIAL REPLY WILL NOT BE DELIVERED BEFORE THE ULTIMATUM EXPIRES.

+1

ZERO HOUR

SHANGHAI, Feb. 19, 0.40 p.m. GENERAL UYEDA INFORMED REUTER THIS AFTER NOON" THAT IF THE NINETEENTH ARMY IN THE FIRST LINE SHOWED NO SIGNS OF EVACUATING BY 7 O'CLOCK SATURDAY MORNING THE JAPANESE OFFENSIVE WILL BE OPENED FORTHWITH.

COMPROMISE AND FLAT REJECTION

NANKING, Fob. 19, 8,09 p.m. REUTER'S REPRESENTATITIVE WAS AUTHORITATIVE- LY INFORMED THAT GENERAL, 'TSAI TING KAI, COM, MANDING THE NINETEENTH ROUTE ARMY, AND MAYOR WU TEH CHENG HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED BY THE NAN.. KING GOVERNMENT TO REPLY TO GENERAL UYEDA AND

· CONSUL GENERAL MURAÎ RESPECTIVELY. THAT FOR THE PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF THE SHANGHAI AFFAIR, THE CHINESE TROOPS ARE READY TO WITHDRAW TWENTY KILOMETRES FROM THE SETTLEMENT, BUT THEY DEMAND THAT THE JAPANESE TROOPS LIKEWISE WITHDRAW THE SAME DISTANCE FROM THE SETTLE- MENT.

THE CHINESE REPLY ALSO STATES THAT INVESTIGA. TORS INTO. THE CHINESE WITHDRAWAL MUST BE OF SEVERAL NATIONALITIES AND NOT ONLY JAPANESE AS PROPOSED IN THE JAPANESE ULTIMATUM, AND ARE CERTAINLY NOT TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY JAPANESE SOLDIERS CARRYING THE JAPANESE FLAG, ¿

THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WILL FLATLY REJECT THE JAPANESE DEMAND FOR THE PERMANENT DIS. MANTEING OF WOOSUNG FORTS AND PAOSHAN FORTS.

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YET MORE REINFORCEMENTS!

Toxyo, Feb. 19, 6,49. p.m. There are ludications that military authorities are watching. developments at Shanghai closely and are preparing to despatch reinforcements I1 required, in which case the War Office is expect. "ed to appoint a special Commander-in-Chief,

It will be recalled that the War Minister recently indicated to the Press that reinforcements might be necessitated,

It is believed that steps have already been taken tó, cope- rapidly with any emergency.

Following this morning's Cabinet meeting, Mr. Yoshizawa and Mr. Araki are inderstood to have held 'an Important, conference with the Premier regarding the situation at Shanghal, after which. the Premier went to the Palace and had an audience of the Em peror.

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.

·CHINA AND ARTICLE XV

NANKING, February 19. On receipt of the Japanese ultimatum the Foreign Relations Committed alter sitting all night broke up at 3 a.m. It resumed at 6 n.m, and sat tili 11'' a.m..

The Foreign Minister; Lo'-Wen Kao, when interviewed by Reuter, stated that Chian's reply would be delivered to Japan toi night. The Japanese demands were unacceptable and would be rejected. The text of the reply is now, being "drafted,"

Lo Wen Kan added that the Chinese delegate at Genova had already been instructed to invoks Article XV. at the coming meat. Ing of the Assembly;

JAPAN WILL-NOT PURSUE

SHANGHAI, Feb, 10, 4.17 p.m. Although it is stated that Japanese troops are determined to drive back the Nineteenth Army, if it falls to comply with the demands contained in the ultimatum, official quarters declare they have no intention of pursuing it beyond the twenty kilometre

Caren,

18,000 JAP. TROOPS FOR OFFENSIVE

LATEST FROM THE FRONT

{THROUGH DEUTER'S AGENCY.]

SHANGHAT, Feb. 19, 6.21 p.m.

The situation on the Woosung and. Chapol battle fronts con tinued unchanged. Throughout the night there was an exchange- of shot and shell, but neither side took the offensive. It was merely sporadic fire, which Shanghai now regarda as one of the regulär features of its night life,

Eighteen thousand Japanese troops under General Üyeda are expected to launch a large-scale offensive on Saturday morning ja an endeavour to drive back Chinese troops who ars reported to be holding an unusually well-constructed system of defences.

More Chinese shells are falling in the Settlement, eight länd ing in Broadway during the night. One exploded in a bedroom In the Savoy Hotel, but there were were no casualties,

A meeting, which was attended by the Britisk Consul-General, this morning considered the question of evacuation of British women and children, and came to the conclusion that there is no danger that activa warfare will be carried within the British "and" American sectors of the Settlement, owing to the strength of the defending forces, and that the danger from exploding shells within the Settlement was not serlons, enough to justify the serious con. sideration of evacuation."

The British Consulate is issuing a warning to British residents to take cover" during shelling, particularly in the Hongkow and Pandtsepon districts of the Settlement and adjacent stretches, of the Whangpoo River,

EVACUATION PLANS MADE

SHANGHAI, Feb. 10. 3.5 0.m... Although foreigners considered they would be safe within the Settlement, British authorities are arranging a comprehensive scheme for evacuation of women and children, in case any unfore. seen emergency arises.

Meanwhile, due to to-morrow's expected hostilities, Admiral Kelly sent three deputations to the Chinese and Japanese Hend." quarters to emphasise the necessity of a careful avoidance of shells. falling in the Settlement.

JAPAN WANTS To avoid declarATION OF WAR

Tokyo, February 19.

4

According to a Pre report the War Minister, speaking to the Cabinet, warned them that the situation la' Shanghai was threaten. ing to assume more serious proportions, as a large number of troops under Chiang Kai Shek are proceeding to Shanghai to re inforce the Nineteenth Army. The Cabinet Ministers are reported to have agreed to do their utmost to prevent, the situation "dove. loping in such a way as to hecessitate a declaration of war.

CANADIAN AIRMEN AND CHINA:

OTTAWA February 10,

The Chinese Consul-General is sending to Nanking a memoran- dum on behalf of the axed airforce officers mentioned yesterday, stating that there are suficient Canadian jobless airmen to furnish two complete air squadrons for Chinese defence. Each squadron, equipped with eighteen machine-guns, could be supplemented by the United States airmen who are also offering their assistance at an estimated cost of $13,000,000 for two years. At present 70 officers and 350 men are available,

Yesterday's message stated: Eighty members of the Royal Canadian Airforce, victims of the economy axe, conferred with the Chinese Consul-General, to-day, offerlag their services to Chinese Airforce.

"1914 WORLD DRAMA RECALLED

SHANGHAI, Feb. 19.

An air of pessimista and appre- hension pervades Shanghai on the

the

CANTON VIEW

ANTON, Feb. 18, eve of what might condeivably The stand of Messrs. Sun Fo,, develop into a world drama se electrical as that of 1914. Hostile Eugene Chen and other C.E.E. and preparations were continued all 0.8.C. memberd in Shanghai vir-a- day artillery and infantry en vis Japan is supported by the gaging in mysterious movements at

various points, taking up positions. C.E.O and C.B.C. members in Can. The British and American Conton, according to a circular telo. Bula, anticipating large scale hos gram of the latter made public to tilities, are apprehensive of bells day. landing in the Bettlement, especial- yin the Hongkew and Yangiazo poo districts, which are really the storm centres, and have notified their respective nationals to take cover as far as possible while the fighting is progaming. Women and children are urged to transfer to places of greater safety...

The planks of their platform are concentration of a big force at Shanghai to reinforce the 19th route army in resisting Japanese invasion, recovery of Manchuria by the northeast forces, and no direct parley with Japan until her troops evacuated Chinese soit

Shanghai is the commercial hau of the Yangtaze provinces, the tele gram said, and it must be defended at all costs. If the cny were lost to the Japanese, the calamity to the nation would be incalculable in the opinion of the Canton leaders. The telegram was signed by all in portant military and civil lenders here including General Chen Chi- tang, tamamle qu

:

MORNING "BOY-EMPEROR AT

ANXIETY FELT IN

LONDON

'AMÈRICA'S CO-OPERATION ESSENTIAL TO THE LEAGUE

BRITAIN WOULD BEAR THE BRUNT

OF A LEAGUE WAR

(THROUGH REUTEK'S AUKNCY.)

GENEVA, February is.

AT THE OUTSET OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMIT. TEE OF TWELV M. BONCOUR ANNOUNCED THAT THE JURISTS HAD UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED THE JAPANESE CONTENTION THAT THE CHINESE HAD NO RIGHT, TO DEMAND A SESSION OF THE LEAGUE ASSEM BLY.

There is every indication that if Japan ignores the League's. recent note grant caution will" be exercised by the leading Langue Powers in dealing further with a situation which is now recognis» ed as being extraordinarily, tense and delicate. Because of this. Mr. Ramsay MacDonald is not convalescing abroad as had been arranged. The feeling is growing that little that is effective cau be done without the whole hearted co-operation, of America, while the latest news indicates that Washington now intends to confine American action to defending American lives and protecting American properly.

SITUATION SUMMED UP

in

the

Daily

The realities of the situation are, layed until a fortnight Inter. well summarised Telegraph thua:—

China Wants Council Meeting. (1) The Longue, without a firm. guarantee of material support by: America, issued a warning to. Japan regarding her violation of international obligations.

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GENEVA, Feb., 18.. - Mr. W. W. Ten, the chairman of the Chinese delegation, has asked for a special meeting of the Coun- iscil to be held on. Feb. 19, owing to the grave news of the presentation of the Japanese ultimation in Shanghai.

(2) Japan nevertheless launching a reinforced offensive and is maintaining that she can not call a military halt until she has driven back the local Chinese army, after which she may be prepared to negotiate but not be fore, lest her prestige should suffer.

(3) The Chinese won't with draw.

(4) The League. Council in about to refer the whole dispute to the League Assembly whereon a host of disinterested minor Powers will sit and may demand action.

(5) If the League does not yield to these demands it can be said it has failed

Mr. Yan will ask the Council to endeavour to prevent the cata+ strophe which seems imminent.

A communication issued thin. evening by the Japanese delegation to the League of Nations states:

The majority of foreignere and many Chinese in Shanghai regard as desirable the removal of the Chinese Nineteenth Route Army, whose attitude is highly dangerous for the Concession."

The statement adds that the Nine- teenth Route Army contains many Communist elements, and the Nan- king Governmens, which proposed to disband it, "had now placed troops around it, isolating it and watching its movements."

DANGEROUS AND DELICATE SITUATION

HEAD OF MANCHURIA

TYROUGH, REUTER'S AGENCY,]

I

A PRESS DESPATCH FROM MURDEN REPORTS THAT THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THE NEW STATE OF MAÑ CHURIA HAVE UNANIMOUSILE ELECTED · PU YI THE CHI NESE BOY EMPEROR,” AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE. -

•

TOKYO, Feb. 10.

A message from Mukden states that the formal declamation of the independence of Manchuria is ex- pected on February, when the Chief Executive 8,

arpeated to arrive at Mukdean.

Toreo Feb, 10 Although the name of the Chies Executive of the new independent State being formed in Manchurin and Mongolin, is still being with hold, Press despatches clearly hines that he will be the ex-Emperor, Phy

५.

A message from Mulden states that Taang Shi-yi, the Governa has informally accepted the posi” tion of Prime Minister.

"Daily Telegraph" Comment..

LONDON, Feb, 19

The Daily Telegraph, in a lead ing article on the Manchurian de velopments, expresses the opinion that the political independence of Manchuria will not proclude the supremacy of Japanese influenco.

The Open Door" and the co- equal existence of all peoples will best recommend the new State to the benevolent recognition of the Powers.

As regards Shanghai, the Tele. graph snys that the military re sults of the forthcoming battle are easier to forecast than the political, The pohtital results will depend upon the quite unforeseen damage which will be inflicted upon the In- ternational Settlement.

·

WEATHER REPORT. Yesterday's weather report. forecast and remarks; issued by the Royal Observatory at 5.93 p, stated: true)

The anti-cyclone has weaken. ed, and is now central to the. mast of Shanghai, moving east. Local Forecast:-NE. winds, moderäte; generally clouds.

THE "RACKET" IN CANTON

"PAY UP OR BE BLOWN

"

GAMBLING HOUSE DEFLES BANDITS, AND SUFFERS.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

(6) If the League yields it may ultimately be involved in a war with Japan, wihe, brunt of which will fall upon the biggest Lengue naval Power, namely Britain thus Britain, in a quarrel which is not hers, would have to should er the bulk of the human and financial cont of a modern war

LONDON, Feb. 18. agnins a former friend, and ally tion as a result of the Sino-Japan- The dangerous and delicato situa- "waged under the most disadvanese conflict in and around Shanghai tageous conditions against an op was dobated in the House of Honam last night shortly after 8 ponent with compact local con centrated forces.

#

Lorda to-night.

CANTON, Feb. 19 Another outrage was enacted in

(7) It is suggested that in such the Labour Peers, expressed the into a gambling house in Hungtole Lord Ponsonby, the leader of o'clock, when bandite hurled a bomb a case America might help Briopinion that the true facts wers

tain and the League, but there is being concealed from the people Road. The bomb exploded with:

no such assurance. America 'waa of Japan, where the militarists great violence, scattering stool never less war-minded than at

were temporarily in control.

He believed, however, that there

fragments in all directions. Two 1

present, and strategically too in bot is the best position to earry on operations across the Pacificing in Japan, which might be up lieved to be fatally. The rest fod was still a great deal of right feel the gamblers were injured, ong be

and China Sens.

Suspect Arrested.

(8) The League may be saved pealed to and he hoped that no in confusion. Windows were also the dangerous consequences of with the Japanese Government on table was broken The perpetrators attempt would be made to bargain | shakband; and, the big gambling "more effective action by coun- sel's wisdom from London. Again, hand in Manchuria in return for darkness immediately after the ex- the lines of allowing them a tree of the criza disappeared in the ince sanctions are only decree-a relaxation of the Japanese strang-plosion able by the unanimous vote of Jehold in Shanghai.

melve members of the Leagu Council who are not disputanta plus the majority of the other members of the Assembly, a catas trophe may be averted by a single voto of a Council Power. But at present the position at Geneva is causing anxiety in London."

CHINESE APPLICAAION"

LEGAL

He thought that the British Gov. The Police on the best Tourbys ernment should take the lead in rushed to the be upon hearing League Council in readiness to the terrific explo A careful penalise any nation breaking its search for the peronýrstore Ware, pledges.

minde, and one man, lieved to be

Lord Hailshams, replying, said connected with the crime waW AT the situation in Shanghai was rested, The injured re taken to causing grave concern, to the Goa hospital nearby for medical vernment. He emphasised that the attention, and the arrated man was authorities of all forsign Fowers taken back to the Police Station for in Shanghai were co-operating. very questioning. cordially.

Subsequent investigation revealed The British Government through that the outrage was hgain the out had kept in the closest couch outcome of the refol of the with the United States and Powers proprietor of the gambling den to members of the League of Nations, comply to the demand of the out- and pointed out that it would not laws for protection fees. he wise or proper for the Govern Bandit Chief: Affisted,

GENEVA, Feb, 18. The Washington Ball and other

Juriste have been in conference social engagements are sted.

all day to-day, counidering the The general opinion round Shing

Japanese juridical objections to the hai late this afternoon in that very

convocation of a special meeting of little hape is entertained of fight

the League Assembly ling being avoided, though it, was

It is understood that they havement to take any action which The Polide havé starked a vigorous previously suggested that the land-

upheld the legality of the Chinese might seem to separate it from the campaign to round up these outlaws ing Chinese financial and business

application, A

other members of the Leagus and and thugs, operating in Honam, interests might pomibly exert their

The Langue Seorataríat are of identify it with the Unied States Fongchen and other parts of the induence at the eleventh hour to

opinion that meeting of the in any son of opposition to other city. During the earl art of last persuade the troops to with fraw In official circles, it is understood Assembly could be bald on March tombers of the League. -

week a bandit chick Chi Chot, for the sake of the city. With the that the leaders hero and those in 1, bus if Japan decides to exercise The Government had made every was unearthed in Mel) by detens arrival of reinforcements, worer, Nanking have adopted a common her right requiring time for a effort to keep in vory friendly tives, sent there from Kanton. He the decision now rests with the polisy with regard to external and special delegate to come from touch with the United States and was brought back to Canton this military officials

internal problems-Central Press Japan, the meeting might be de (Continued on page 18), morning, and will be tried