1937-12-14 — Page 9

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1937.

JAPANESE PLANE FLIES Incendiary Bombs And Fire

LOW OVER H.M.S. BEE

BRITISH ADMIRAL'S REQUEST FOR

SAFEGUARD MEASURE

Hankow, Dec. 13:-Rear-Admiral A. G. E. Grabbe, R.N., Senior Naval Officer Yangtse, made a firm request to the Japanese military authorities at Wuhu to place a party of six Japanese aboard H.M.S. Bee as a safeguard against attack but owing to the urgency of going down river to ald the survivors of the Panay disaster, II.M.S. Bee sailed without waiting for them. Rear-Admiral R. V. Holt, R.N.. who will take over command from Rear-Admiral Crabbe on January 21 was aboard H.MS. Bee.

As HMS. Bee was going along- side the whart near Hohsien this afternoon a Japanese plane circled over at a low altitude.

Mr. J. V. Pickering, Manager of the Standard-Vacuum Oll Com- pany, Nanking branch. was picked up from the right bank by H.MS. Bee together with Chief Petty Off- cer Vernon Puckett and Stoker William Hoyle, of the Panay.

Mr. Pickering stated that some twelve Europeans were about one to one and a half miles from the whart on the same side of the river and the Bee sent a party to collect them. Mr. Pickering added that officers and the remainder of the ship's company and passengers were on the left bank but hither- to they have not been observed by the Bee owing to an intervening island. The Melping and Melhala were burning at the wharf' ahead of the Bee. The Melan was beach- ed and deserted. She was ap- parently struck by a bomb on the bridge.- Reuter.

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SUGIYAMA

EXPRESSES

REGRETS

WUHU INCIDENT

WILL BE PROBED

Tokyo, Dec. 13: The Japanese War Minister, General Sugiyama, this afternoon sent a personal re- presentative to call on the British Military Attache to express the Minister's regrets over the Wuhu incident yesterday when H.M.S. Ladybird and H.M.S. Bee were fired on, resulting in the death of a rating aboard the Ladybird and Injury to another rating and Flag Captain G. E. M. O'Dorinell.

The representative was also ask- ed to convey to the British Am- bassador, Sir Robert Craigle, the War Minister's assurances that he will be conducting a personal in- vestigation of the incident. The Japanese press publishes no in-

formation of the incident- Reuter,

NEW AIR MAIL ROUTE

Hong Kong-Bangkok Service Starts On Sunday

Satisfactory arrangements, hay- ing been concluded with the. Siamese Government, the change of route of the Imperial Airways service so that mails to and from Hong Kong will be carried via Bangkok instead of Penang will come into operation as from Sun- day, December 19, when the R.M.A. Dorado will fly from Hong Kong to Bangkok Places of call route will be Fort Bayard, Hanol and Udorn.

en

Mails from Europe will arrive in the Colony on Monday. December 20, on the R.MA. Delphinius, also following the new schedule..

JAPANESE NOTIFIED OF CONCENTRATION

Asked To Ensure Safety Of

American Ships

Shanghai. Dec. 13: It is learn- ed that on December 10 the Stan- dard Vacuum Company, through the American. Consulate-General in Shanghai, notified the Japan- ese authorities of the concentra- tion at Wuhu and asked that steps be taken to ensure safety of the concentration which consisted of

the cargo boat Melan (900 tons), commanded by Capt. C.H. Carlson, from Woodbury, Connecticut, with a crew of 27 Chinese; the Meihsia, (1,000 tons), a steel tanker com- manded by a Norwegian with a crew of 27 Chinese and Mr. D. B. Goldie, a Briton who is the Com- pany's installation superintendent at Wuhu; and the Melping (1,090 tons), a tanker, commanded by an Esthonian with a crew of 27 Chi- nese and Mr. J. V. Pickering, from Cadiz, Ohio, acting Manager of the Standard Oil Company, at Nanking and Mr. J. Sherwood. from McGraw, New York; also six small tankers used to traverse canals, eight steel lighters, with total crews of 70 Chinese aboard.

The US.8. Panay was moored alongside the concentration.-

Bruter.

ITALIANS ON PANAY

Hankow, Dec. 13.

Mr. Nelson Johnson received a report stating that fifteen of the "Punay" survivors, including one Italian, are wounded, some of them seriously. It now develops that there were three Italians aboard. The Panay's radio ceased operating at 1.30 p.m. yesterday in the midst of a message which was being re- ceived by the U.S.S. Luzon at Han- kow. First American and then British warships unsuccessfully at- tempted to re-establish communi- cation. Last

night H.M.8.

Bee made preparations to go down river from Wuhu to ascertain what nad happened to the Panay and then went at fullsteam to the scene in the morning after news of the sinking was received.— Beuter.

CHANGED MINDS Shanghai, Dec. 13: The passen- gers aboard the US.S. Panay also included Mr. Eric Mayell, a Cana- dian employed by Fox Movietone, who with Mr. Roy Squires, and Mr. Norman Alley had intended to stay in Nanking but changed their minds ut the last minute. They waved to the moving warship which was just going up river and were taken aboard by motor boat which went to the shore to fetch them.— Reuter

A

JAPANESE AIRMEN WILL BE PUNISHED

Shanghal, Dec. 13. Japanese Army spokesman sald that three Japanese planes were involved in the bombing of the U.S.S. Panay and the Standard Oll ships and that the Japanese Navy was prepared to punish the airmen responsible but must Brst hold а thorough inquiry. The Japanese Alers reported that they hit. Chinese ships and were most proud over that but when informed that the ships were American were very contrite,

As originally notified, it is hoped that after some weeks' operation on the new route it will be possible to y Hong Kong-Bangkok and vice versa in one day with a con- sequent reduction in transit time to all stations on the main trunk Instructions have been given to route between London and Austra- ¦ Japanese aviators to be more care- lin,

ful in the future.- Heuter

Hong Kong residents and bust-

ness houses should benefit greatly

A

from the new schedule, as they

will enjoy a saving in transit time

as well as an additional day for

CHINESE FORCES "ADVANCING

Continued from Page 1)

they are safer to manufacture. It is possible that sodium, potas-

slum, calcium and the cerlum alloys

might also

bg

used. but as the first two are very difficult to handle is. Im- probable that they would Be used as the main constituent. Callum which burns with great intensity is similar in action to magnesium. but is more costly. The same applies to the certum alloys 'which, also, are rare to obtain in quan- tity.

LIGHTER MATERIALS

human element may either suc- ceed or fall, success depending on the coolness and level headedness of the persons on the scene.

On the sounding of an air raid warning occuplers of buildings, particularly those with roofs of little stability should take the following precautions.

(A) Denude the two upper floors of all inflammable matérial or goods of a combustible nature. (B) Spread sand or dry earth' liberally over the floors.

(C) Provide, on the landings. and other points of vantage. buckets of sand. →with Smal scoops for throwing same.

(D) Provide long handled sho- vels for placing sand, on

the burning material of the bomb, il this is practicable.

(E) Provide dark glasses, simi- lar to those worn by oxy-acetylene and electric welders. to offset the glare of the burning material.

PREFERRED Aircraft designed to carry limited weight would obviously CATTY the lighter Incendiary materials with the best heat and burning capacities. A further consideration of course, is the matter of bulk This may rule out the use of all, as oil is heavy and would take fre relatively slowly, and can be subdued by chemical fire extinguishers. Mag- (F) If flat pieces of metal nestum, once alight, burns with a sheet are available keep them at great degree of Intensity in hand to throw over the burning oxygen. nitrogen and carbon substance or use them as shields d'oxide and the burning metal to repel heat to facilitate ap- runs. the flame being very bright | proach to the burning material. and somewhat terrifying to per- Having taken these precautions sons in the near vicinity. The do not stand under or near weak portions of the structure, but

casing of most incendiary bombs

23

WE HAVE RECENTLY BEEN APPOINTED SOLE AGENTS IN HONG KONG

FOR

BUDWEISER

"THE KING OF CANNED BEERS"

NEVER SAY

EL CAN'T" SAY CANNED

AND TRY IT TO-DAY.

CALDBECK'S

At the present time there are fre hydrant installations in factories, oil installations, dockyards, gen- stations, emporiums, theatres, hotels and many other types of large buildings,

ទេ made. of this metal" and takeep at hand in positions afford- readily ignited by the incendiary ing some protection such compound contained within.

arches, beams or concrete roofs. Thermite is considered to be If a bomb penetrates the pre- the most-used constituent in an mises assemble all available per- incendiary bomb. It is a mixture sons to cover the burning material

metallic aluminium powder with dry sand or earth to mini-erating

amise the burning effect: use long handled shovels to move frag- ments of the burning material to a safe place; do not use water or chemical fire extinguishers сп the burning material of the bomb as this may cause an explosive effect,

and iron oxide and burns at temperature of up to 3,500 de- grees centigrade and is ignited by а tuse on impact. The fuse usually consists of a ribbon of magnesium terminating in a ball of barium peroxide in contact with the mixture. Thermite used without admixture with other In- cendiary material burns" quickly and cannot be extinguished by orthodox means-water. chemical extinguishers, and sand-owing to the presence of oxygen in the Iron-oxide. The magnesium cas- guishers may be used to ing is 'gnited by the thermite, i and to stay the spread of fire it is necessary to exclude, as far as possible, the surrounding air. Water, as a means of extinguish- ing burning magnesium would be useless and would possibly cause the spreading of fire.

use sand s:ruops for throwing sand on portions of the bomb material.

If it is apparent that these ze-·| porta will not succeed call the dre brigade immediately.

Water and chemical fire extin-

ex-

tinguish fre which has been caused to the inflammable fittings, but it is very inadvisable to use them directly on the incendiary material of the bomb.

ANTI-FIRE UNITS

With these advantages in the matter of possession of godd ap. paratus; coupled with good or ganisation most of the premises, where these appliances are installed may be regarded as miniature Bre stations, or Are 'posts, which, if manned by men of some training would be valuable, not only for the protec-" tlon of the particular premises in which they are installed, but to their less fortunate neighbours. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES The immediate measures to be taken should be the full overhaul of the Are precautions already in force with these war risks especi- ally in view, with the following objects.

(1) Reducing the fire risk by cutting down to a minimum the amount of inflammable material which might be readily ignited by bombs, special attention, being paid to spaces immediately under top floors having

I will now touch generally en fre precautions and fermations SULPHUR FUMES

of anti-fre units in business and Thermalloy, which. contains Industrial undertakings.. I am sulphur, and burns more readily sure you will all agree that Are than thermite is difficult to ap- precautions, important in normal proach because of the sulphur-

times. are rendered immensely dioxide fumes given off. PL08- more important when the risk af | roofs, or in phorus and

carbon-disulphide war becomes to be considered, for roofs of doubtful stability. when used as an incendiary com- these call for special precautions (2) Organising regular fire pound also give off objectionable | which need "not be considered in drills with the staff, such drills fumes and the former is particu-

being conducted by a person of larly to be feared owing to the

some experience. difficulty in extinguishing phos- phorus in its dry state. Many of the unused yellow phosphorus bombs. broken down after the great war, were responsible for mysterious fires.

Another type of bomb, having generally the same constituents of the smaller ones, is known as the multiple bomb which, exploding

dime of peace.

There

Firstly. The risk of conflagra- tions occurring is greatly increas- (3) Detalled Inspections of the ed. The most serious aspect fire-fighting arrangements and being. of course, the dropping of the fire-fighting appliances pro- Incendiary bomba

may vided and adding to and improv- also be the risk of incendiarizm

ing same to meet the increased by enemy agents and, the risk of risks. · Ares occurring from accidental cause is proportionately greater.

Secondly. A new factor is in- troduced by the possibility of on impact. scatters portions of numerous outbreaks of fire occur- the bomb and further explosionsring in widespread localities at distribute the burning material the same time. This situation over a fairly large area. An ad- rarely occurs in peace time, but vantage of this bomb is said to

be that owing to its weight it can be dropped more accurately and has a greater penetrative power.

In the event of a bomb striking its objective in an irregular man- ner it a likely that it would not explode.

(4) Formation of and training Are parties with regular fire drills. By this I mean systematic train- ing in keeping the employees familiar with their particular

duties and the places where fire may be expected to be most serious. The greatest importance should be paid in the matter of giving facilities for the apparatus to be handled and used as though under actual fire conditions. It will be found that by regular training and drills the staff will rapidly become confident · and experienced in their duties.

THE

HONG KONG

- PENINSULA HOTEL;

HONGKONG HOTEL; HEPULSE BAT HOTEL;

&

SHANGHAI

HOCHE; PALACE HOT L;

HOTELS

LIMITED.

In association with the Grand Hotel des Wagons Lita, 'Peking."

PROJECTED ACTIVITY

OF S.M.R.

Economic

Development

JAPANESE TROOPS

IN HOME OF GENERALISSIMO

Shanghai, Dec. 13. While still encountering, furious

Of North China resistance Japanese forces extend-

ویا

Tokyo, Dec. 13. Mr. Yosuki Matsuoka, President of the South Manchurian Railway,

arrived to-day reportedly to seek Government understanding for the projected activity of the BMR. Company in North China.

Mr. Matsuoka; in an interview admitted to have submitted to the Government his private plan for the economic development of North China in August but said the plan was much misrepresented by the press. He said the S.M.R. want to manage the rallways and harbour works in North China together with the coal mining along the railways in North China and opin- ed that the management of other industries including raw cotton, cotton "spinning and salt must be left to others.

when it does, it absorbs all the existing peace-time appliances. Under air-raid conditions ft may Well occur that all fire-fighting resources of the Government Fire Brigade may be in action at "a number of fires and not immedi- ately able to attend to all the calls received.

(5) Providing, wherever pos: Thirdly. There is the additional sible, supplementary water sup- danger of "falling bombs cripplingplies in tanks, bucketa or аду the normal water supply or the convenient receptacle. volume and pressure will be re- (6) Providing appliances to munity if they were dropped induced by heavy off-take for deal-

enable are parties to remove in-v100,000,000 in North large numbers in the city districts ing with fires. of Hong Kong and Kowloon.

cendiary bombs from a point where

Reuter Fourthly. The damage to roads, there is inflammable material, caused by falling bombs 'may be and sand, and means of applying such as to retard or prevent the it, to hold the bombs in check. movement of heavy fire appliances Again, it must be remembered from one place to another, that water must not be used on seriously delay assistance.

the bomb itself.

I trust you have gathered the right Impression of these bomba by my brief reference to thom and possibly visualise the difficul ties which will beset the com-

•

THE EFFECTS

I now pass to the effects on their objectives, namely buildings of all types, oil installations, gas

and the like. and electric light undertakinga

B

10

.'I

He said the S.M.R

possesses Y500,000,000 available for the economic developments of North China and hopes to raise another

China.

CHINESE MOBILE

UNITS Recapture Towns Around Shanghai

Hangchow. Dec. 13:

Chinese

ed their gains on the eastern corner of Nanking as the result of a powerful onslaught in which bombers were supported by the ground forces below.

Among buildings the Japanese troops have occupied, according to Japanese reports, are the head- quarters of the Military Affairs. Commission, the Military Academy. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-sher's home, the National Government office and offices of the Executive Yuan-Reuter.

TRAIN WITH EVACUEES

FROM NANKING AND HANKOW.

The train bearing the evacuees from Hankow and Nanking arrived from Canton at 9.20 p.m. last night, There were 51 British, 31 Ameri- cans and. 13 Germans, a large num- ber of them being missionaries.

Interviewed by a "Daily Press representative most of the evacuees said that they had an excellent trip and never once sighted a Japanese plane The Journey Was quite uneventful.

The train from Canton bore a large Union Jack on the roof.

A large number of friends had very active around Shanghal dur-gathered at the Kowloon Hallway ing the past few days, are report Station to greet the evacuees who ed to have recaptured Nanwel, also included 35 Chinese among whom were over ten oficials of the south of Chuanshan on the Klang Ministry of Railways. au coast, and the district seat of Taitsang, north of Shanghai, a military despatch states.

* CONSTANT INSPECTION

THE FIRE PARTIES incendiary

The degree of penetration' of an For the reasons I have just The fire parties should consist bomb naturally de- quoted. It will be seen that it is of as many able bodied persons pends on certain conditions, such incumbent upon, ali who are as can be mustered under the as, the height from which it is responsible for business and in charge of a responsible" person. mobile units, which have been dropped, its construction and dustrial undertakings, to review I will give a brief outline of their weight, the realstance and stability | their fire precautions at close duties 24 I visualize what they of the surface on which it drope.Intervals of time, with the object should be on the sounding of an It is considered that amallof guarding against these risks, air raid warning. incendiary bomb would penetrate particularly in the matter of pro- (1) Each party proceed to their an ordinary type of roof, such as, vision of suitable apparatus and allotted stations, say, two to three they tile and, firpole room of many water supplies. In Hong Kong persons to one fire hydrant point, Tainan, Dec. 13: After having domestic and godown buildings of the Fire Brigade Department (2) Remove the hose from the the make an annual Inspection of box in which it is normally con- services and submit a report to In the vicinity of the fire hydrant, the interested parties on the de-. make the necessary connections. Tects found during the inspections (3) If fire pumps are provided,, This report is in the nature, of. a station one man, preferably with safeguard under peace time con- electrical experience, to actuate ditions that expensive fire ap | the "pump on receiving the signal. pilances, once provided, should be 4)Test the valve to note that maintained in such condition working freely and ready for that they can be used at any use.

the posting of their air mail let-recaptured Tangyi in west Shan-Hong Kong and igulte on

tung, the Chinese forces are ad floor of the top storey. Rein- Home 250 private fire hydrant tained and lay it out on the floor.

tera.

Imperial. Airways is also operat ing a special service from Bangkok to Singapore to connect with the London-Australia air service;

REFEREES' MEETING

vancing on Shachen and Hainhalen, forced concrete roofs of about 5 respectively south and southwest of Inches in thickness would pro- Tangyl to "mop up" remnant bably prevent penetration by the Japanese on the west Shantung small type of bomb and in the border.

case of heavier Bombs would Two hundred Japanese cavalry-diminish the penetrative power.; The half-monthly meeting of the men passing through Maochia- Hong Kong Football Referees Aschwang on the north bank of the sociation was held at the Associa- Yellow River were fired at and dis 'tion's office yesterday evening" with persed yesterday by Chinese bat-

Mr. G. Isley in the chair. There teries on the opposite bank.-. was a general discussion on rules. Ventral Newa

LEVEL HEADEDNESS ESSENTIAL

We now come to the question of dealing with incendiary bombs which have penetrated buildings and here, I may mention, the

time. It may surprise many to (5) Bee that a liberal supply know what amount of private fire of sand is distributed over noora apparatus ex'sts in Hong Kong **Continued on Back Page,

:. It is also reported that Wushing," which has been beséfged by : Chi-

week, has also tallen nese troops for more than one

EN GESTURE, NOT DEMAND'

www London, Den: 13. It is learned a in London. that before-HMS Bee left for Housien, Rear-Admiral Halt told the Japan-

... Upon entering Nanwel the Chiese to inform their artillery and nese troops shot and killed one, Wu bombers that he was sailing/not- Tao-cheng, head of the so-called withstanding the standstill order peace maintenance.committee." and asked atx Japanese officers to Owing to the sudden appearance accompany.him. It la learned that of Chinese mobile units around the action was more in the nature Shanghai, the Japanese are send of a gesture of good faith than Ing large, fleets of planes to Ching-demand that they be regarded as pu, Sunkiang, Chinshan, Wuldang,hostages. As no reply was received Quinsan and Kiating for recon HMB Bee left without them naisance purpose.-—–—– Central News Reuter