GRAVE SITUATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 52, 1 February 1932, Page 7

GRAVE SITUATION

CHINA DECLARES WAR ACTION' TAKEN BY NATIONAL A PARTY FOREIGN RESIDENTS CALL FOR HELP

The unrest in China resulted yesterday in the Chinese National Party, the ivuomintangv, to which the Nanking 1 Government is subordinate, _ declaring war on Japan. In contradistinction to this it is stated that although a conference between the British and United States Consuls-General and the Chinese and Japanese commanders ended unsatisfactorily no formal 1 declaration of war was presented. ■ The situation is fraught with the. gravest possibilities and although the truce between the armies is being continued a breach occurred in which further firing took place. _ The League of Nations Council has set . up a special committee of representatives to investigate the dispute at first hand and steps are being taken to expedite their journey tq C Britain and the United States have formally protested to Japan against the occupation of Shanghai and have requested that a neutral zone be set up for the further protection of fn the United States Congress members discussed the advisability of the United States applying an economic boycott Important meetings of the British and United States Cabinets and naval and military leaders have been held at Downing Street and White House, respectively, and additional defence forces have been ordered by each country to proceed to Shanghai for the protection of its nationals.

THE DECLARATION. FOREIGNERS APPEAL FOR HELP. INTEGRITY OF SETTLEMENT. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Received February 1, 8.30 a.m. SHANGHAI. Jan. 30. The National Government of Nanking has decided, to declare war against Japan, according to Reuter's correspondent. 1 The decision was made by the Central Executive Committee of the Kuomintang, to which the Nanking Government is subordinate. ....

Nanking to Loyang indicate an intention to escape tne possible attentions of a Japanese fleet up the Tim food supplies in Shanghai are sufficiently only for. three weeks. Rice already is soaring in price. The Japanese have reached Taolaicho, midway between Changchun and Harbin, where the Japanese residents have retreated within the banking and commercial district, ' and where foreigners are taking refuge behind sand-bag barricades. ' A bridge was destroyed fifty kilometres south of Harbin, hindering the advance of a Japenese relief force. The Japanese Consul-General at Harbin, Mr Ohashi, reports that the Soviet railway officials have ordered the destruction of the Sungari bridge to prevent the passage of Japanese troops. CHINESE RETALIATE STRONGLY. Charging the Chinese with failure to observe the truce, the Japanese today commenced a second determined assault on Chapei, but met strong opposition. They eventually' retired along the boundary, the Chinese fainmg considerable ground lost in the rst assault in Thursday’s midnight attack. The Chinese brought field artillery into action, shells dropping around the Japanese naval headquarters. Reports from Japanese headquarters state that the offensive this morning was necessary to retain the positions already occupied. Armoured cars led the attack, but failed to penetrate the Chinese defences and retired, the boundaries extending from Range Road, within the settlement proper, to a point adjoining the Japanese headquarters, a distance of a mile and a-half.

The foreign communities immediately became alarmed and appealed to London and Washington for reinforcements to maim tain the’integrity of the tgettleAnother report says that Mr Quo Tai Chi, a vice-Minister, contends that China will not declare war though she is prepared to offer armed resistance to Japanese attacks.

p NO FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT. TRUCE TO CONTINUE. Received February 1, 10.35 a.m. SHANGHAI, Jam 31. t The Consular body and the Defence Committee conferred all . day with .Japanese and Chinese officials but the 'outcome was unsatisfactory. At a ilengthy conference, which was conifcluded in the presence of the American and British Consuls-General, a suggestion was made by the foreign comfinanders that the Chinese withdraw t‘2ooo metres from the Settlement, and Ithat the Japanese retire to their onleinal positions, but mutual objections Iwere raised by the contending parties. I An announcement was made following the conference that the truce will continue until further notice. A formal declaration of war pas lot yet been made. FOREIGN SETTLEMENT IN JEOPARDY. It is now fully realised that the safety of the Settlement is seriously jeopardised. The defence forces are working feverishly on a second defence lino round the Settlement proper. All foreigners have beon warned to be prepared for immediate evacuation within the internal defence lines. The foreign commanders realise tne difficulty of defending a 20-mile front Bhould the Chinese make a mass attack in this area. Intelligence reports estimate tnat 20 000 Chinese are concentrated less than fonr miles from the boundaries and are actively preparing for an attack should the armistice cease. General Gleboff, formerly m the Czar’s Army, is now raising a strong force of Russian “Whites’ r to assist with the defences, SPLIT IN GOVERNMENT. • LEADERS LEAVE CAPITAL. SHANGHAI, Jan. 30. General Chiang Kai-shek, Mr Wang Chin-wei, and other important leaders left the capital for an unknown destination to-day. It is believed that they are coming to Shanghai. A reported split m the Government len'ds colour to the war report, since the capital is now under the command of General Ho Ying-ching, Minister of War, General Chen Mmg-su, Minister of Communications, and General Ku Chu-tung, commander of the National Guard, forming a military > admmistra--I<Further reliable reports state that General Chiang Kai-shek and other officials were compelled to leave the capital when sulpirdmate generals rebelled against the Government s weak policy toward Japan.’ , ■ c Rumours regarding a declaration of war commenced immediately after the departure of General Chiang Kai-shek, indicating that the military fully intend taking drastic steps against the Japanese. HEAVY TOLL TAKEN. DESTRUCTION AT CHAPEI. SHANGHAI, Jan. 31. This morning the Japanese sent up twenty aeroplanes to demonstrate over the Chapei hinterland without bombing. ; ‘ Alleging that the Hongkew Hotel, within the northern area of the International Settlement, housed Chinese snipers, the Japanese entered it at 8 o’clock, this morning, cleared the guests out, sprinkled the place' with paraffin, and set it on fire. This is the first action taken within the settlement against the Chinese, seriously challenging the authority of th? Municipal Council.. \V . . Three days’ fighting in Chapei and its environs resulted in enormous damage. It is believed that the Japanese lost 500 killed and the Chinese many times more. The removal of the capital from

Along the Extra-Settlement Road every shop and house frontage was destroyed by * Japanese bombs and wrecking parties. A large section was deliberately fired. It burned fiercely as motor trucks loaded witl} timber and kerosene set it alight for the purpose of removing cover for snipers and holding off any Chinese advance immediately threatening the settlement. Unconfirmed reports state that the Chinese captured three Japanese armoured cars used to attack the station. I •

fiRITISH TROOPS AS PROTECTION. An important meeting of the defence committee at the Settlement this morning decided that the situation in the Hongkew district, which was previously left to defence by the Japanese/ required the presence of British troops to prevent further encroachment by Japanese forces, endangering the lives of residents from crossfire froan the Chinese. It is expected that the Royal Scots will be sent to this area at any moment.'The Wiltshire Battalion arrived this morning and will disembark to-morrow.

r One thousand Japanese reinforcements also arrived to-day. According to a statement by ,Admiral Shiosawa there are twenty Japanese naval vessels in the harbour, including two of the largest aircraft carriers, also 5000 blue jackets and marines. The admiral announced that in ’the event of further attacks on Japanese positions he will bring a fleet of twenty planes into operation to bomb Chinese positions. It is reported that Chinese shells have fallen in the international settlement. Snipers wounded two Royal Scots Fustiliers guarding the North Honan Road gates.

INTERNATIONAL PROTESTS.

BRITAIN ANL UNITED STATES.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30. Britain and the United States have formally protested ta Japan against the occupation of Shanghai. Renewed assurance that Japan will scrupulous-, ly respect the integrity of the International Settlement at Shanghai were given to the United States Government to-day by Tokio. The latest attitude adopted by the United States and Britain went further than the earlier representations, which were based only on the safety of foreign citizens and property in the International Settlement.

U.S. FLEET TO STAND BY. On the heels of the vigorous protest by the United States and Britain against the Japanese attack on Shanghai, the Navy Department to-day ordered the Asiatic fleet to stand by in readiness to protect United State; lives. “Our fleet,” Admiral Pratt saii-, “will be ready to evacuate our nationals or protect them if a crisis arises. Where, mob rule prevails our forces will go in and take whatever steps are necessary to protect our people.” He also said that ships of the battle force would leave San Diego on Monday on winter manoeuvres off Hawaii as scheduled, but would not go beyond there at present. Eight destroyers are being prepared at Manila to leave at a moment’s notice. Foui’ are en route from there to Shanghai. . SUSPENSE IN UNITED STATES. NEWSPAPER REBUKES JAPAN. . ’ * " . \ NEW YORK, Jan. 30. The Herald - Tribune’s Washington correspondent states that the suspense in Washingt.on to-night is greater than

at any time since the world war. The overnight turp for the worse in Shanghai, with news of the Japanese occupation of various parts of the International Settlement and further aerial demonstrations with the possibility of a renewal of aerial bombardment, kept the Administration awaiting a reply from Japan to to-day’s Anglo-American protests. The Herald-Tribune, in a leader, Voices the sharpest rebuke to Japan yet made by any responsible American journal. “Japan,” it says, “is using the same sort or savagery and slaughter as that indulged in by Chinese war lords, having as much difficulty in controlling her military ns the Chinese have, and producing in sum a situation 'from which she can only emerge with enormous loss and suffering.” SIGNIFICANT PURCHASES. ". JAPAN’S COTTON SUPPLIES. NEW YORK, Jan. 29. I American munitions experts are interested in the fact that Japan, despite the low level of her textile industry, recently made through agents in the United States large purchases of raw cotton which are readily convertible into explosives. Statistics indicate that Japan now possesses an unprecedented supply of cotton, having bought 1,009,000 bales in the United States between July and December, 1931, compared with 490,000 for the previous corresponding period.

the armistic was recorded and a renewal of fighting was feared. _.Tne Prime Minister and Sir John Simon were kept fully informed and this morning an important conference was held and at its conclusion the following communique was issued:. — '“A meeting was held this morning at No. 10 Downing Street- .The following were present: The Prime Mmister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer/ the Foreign Secretary, the Fyrst Lord of the Admiralty, the Chief ot the Imperial General Staff (Field-Marshal Sir George Milne) and Sir Robert Vansittart. The situation at Shanghai was discussed and the military and naval position considered. “In addition to three battalions already at Shanghai, namely the Scots Fusiliers, the Lincolns and the WiltBhiree, it was decided to despatch a warship from Hong-Kong carrying a battalion of infantry and a battery or artillery in response to a request from Brigadier Fleming for reinforcements. ‘ “The naval force at Shanghai, consisting at present of H.M.S. Cornwall and Sandwich, together with two gunboats, will shortly be reinforced by the arrival of H.M.S. Kent from Batavia. H.M.S. Suffolk from Hong-Kong was due to arrive to-day. - _ “At a meeting held to-day at Shanghai, which was presided over by the British Consul-General, Mr Bronan, and .at which the American ConsulGeneral was also, present, together with the Japanese and Chinese commanders, it was proposed to establish a neutral zone between the Chinese and Japanese troops to be occupied by troops of the neutral Powers which have forces in the International settlement. The British Consul-General has now been informed that the necessary arrangements should be made for British troop 9 to co-operate if a neutral zone can he established, and the United States Government is being asked to take similar action. The British Government is al:«> urging the Japanese and Chinfcse Governments to accept the scheme for a neutral zone 'and to issue immediate instructions to their troops accordingly.”

AMERICA’S COURSE.

CONFUSION AMONG OBSERVERS.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29

The situation at Shanghai was considered to have improved on Friday due to Anglo-American co-operation in maintaining their rights and the assertion that the Chinese and Japanese had reached a trued.. However, observers here were somewhat confused due to the conflicting reports concerning the truce and despatches stating that the Chinese military authorities had warned foreign officials that unless the latter use their influence to end the Japanese occupation the Chinese will be forced to attack the International Settlement. CABINET MEETS. President Hoover met Cabinet in a lengthy session after which, according to the Associated Press, “it seemed evident that a lack of unanimity regarding America’s course occurred during the meeting but Ministers kept what happened to themselves.” . i Liater, however, Mr H. L. Stimson, Secretary of State, stated, that he had consulted with Sir Ronald Lindsay, British Ambassador, concerning making representations to Japan and that the United States had communicated with Japan and had just received an assurance “that international rights and interests at Shanghai would not be interfered with.” EXPORT OF ARMS. U.S. CONGRESS DISCUSSION.

BRITISH RESIDENTS.

■ , NEW YORK, Jan. 30.. The question of arms export again came briefly before Congress with the introduction of a resolution in the House demanding a ban on private liurthermore, according to the New York Times, “the feeling is prevalent in circles in close touch wjth the Administration that a change m the Hoover naval policy may be announced soon, as a. result of tire situation in the, Far East.” - The Times continued: Some of the President’s strongest supporters believe that unless there is a-, change for the better in the Sino-Japanese situation soon .it may be necessary to authorise a delay in the • London Treaty of construction.” .. Senator Hale, of the Naval . Affairs Committee, asserted that the situation warrants prompt action on the pending construction legislation. Although no one in the Senate was predicting war of any kind between Japan and 'the "United States the Japanese policies in China had focussed attention on the “possibilities.” Senator Walsh, of Montana, asserted that Japan could not survive six months in an economic war with the United States since the States hold Japan almost in an economic vice. Senator Walsh estimated that Japan s sales of tea and Bilk to the States aggregate 250,000,000 dollars a year, the proceeds of which are used to import food into Japan. Mr Walsh continued: “If war should eventuate from the situation in the Orient I do, not believe it would be necessary for the United States to fire a single shot.” ECONOMIC BOYCOTT?

The New York Times Washington correspondent states that Senator Borah (chairman) and other . leading members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee expressed strong oppositiqn to the economic boycott of Japan-or an embargo on the shipment of arms to the Orient in reply to a deluge of telegrams from peace advocates and societies asking for such steps. One Senator —namely Senator King —denouncing “the. Japanees action in forcing war upon China,” advocated that the “United States, the League of Nations and other Powers should declare, an immediate economic boycott and embargo on war materials to Japan.” Senator Borah said the boycott would not be a peace movement. “It njight easily be the first step to war.” Senator Reed, of Pennsylvania, said: “I am opposed to the United States using the boycott in the present state of affairs/against Japan.” Senator Capper saia: “We might be involved in the mess in the Orient. We ought to be slow in taking such a step.” SITUATION DEPLORED. BRITISH PREMIER’S COMMENT. LONDON, Jan. 31. “The state of affairs at Shanghai is deplorable,” said Mr Ramsay MacDonald, speaking in his constituency, Seaham. “For the moment I _ will not assign the blame nor, take sides, but every sane man will agree that the experience is disappointing in view of the world’s great governments’ efforts to establish peace. I appeal to everyone concerned, to sheathe the sword and allow commonsense and reason to solve the difficulties.” .. . All telegrams for China are subjected to censorship here. BRITISH DESTROYERS. SINGAPORE, Jan. 30. In view of the developments at Shanghai, the British destroyers, Sirdar, Serapp, Sterling and Serapis, which were due to leave to-day for Home, have been ordered to remain to await instructions. BRITAIN’S REQUEST. PROPOSED NEUTRAL ZONE. IMPORTANT MEETING HELD. (British Official Wireless). Received February L 11.55 a.m. RUGBY, Jan. 30. Developments in the situation at Shanghai are being watched here with grave concern. The anxiety was increased when, last night, a further breach of

JAPAN’S ASSURANCE.

Received February 1 9.5 a.m. LONDON, Jan. 31. A Foreign Office communique states that the Japanese Foreign Office has assured Sir Francis Lindley, British Ambasasdor at Tokio, that nothing will be done to endanger British lives and property in the Shanghai International Settlement, which will not be used as a base for attack.

AMERICAN BATTLESHIPS. READY FOR OPERATIONS. NEW~YORK, Jan. 31. The New York Times’s Washington correspondent states that the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Pratt, following a conference with Mr H. L. Stimson, Secretary of State, confirmed the report that nearly all the United States’ fleet will be available for service in the Orient. A combined unit of sixty-five vessels with a year’s supplies aboard is at present at San Pedro, California, and is due to sail on Monday on Hawaiian manoeuvres. It would then be within seven days’ distance of Shanghai, but there is no intention “under any existing conditions” to send the fleet west of Honolulu. In response to a question as to what would happen if Japan did not like the United States protecting her nationals,or evacuating them if a crisis arose, he said:- “That would just be too bad 1 There is a critical situation for the safety of the American citizens concerned, but otherwise this is a conflict between Japan and China.” ' . Aside from the four destroyers already en route from Manila for Yangtse ports it is probable that eight more will shortly leave, particularly after to-night’s reports that the Nanking Government has decided to declare war against Japan and that all the Government leaders had left Logang. CONFERENCE AT WHITE HOUSE. ANNOUNCEMENT EXPECTED. Received February 1, 12.5 p.m. WASHINGTON, Jan. 31. President Hoover called Mr Stimson, Mr Adams, Mr Hurley, Admiral Pratt and the Army Chief of Staff, General MacArthur, to a conference at White House at 2.30 this afternoon. .They were still in session after two hours, discussing the Shanghai situation. A later message states that the conference terminated at 4.40 p.m.. after which Mr Stimson announced that a public statement would shortly be made. PROTECTION OF AMERICANS. ORDERS TOADMIRAL. Received February 1, 10.5 a.m. WASHINGTON, Jan. 31. Admiral Taylor, commanding at Manila, was ordered this morning to proceed to Shanghai with such snips as he deems necessary for the further protection of Americans. CAUTION URGED. The Navy Department has directed Admiral Taylor, who is proceeding from Manila to Shanghai on the cruiser Houston, to advise the commanders of his subordinate forces to “exericso the utmost forbearance in their relationship with both the Chinese and Japanese authorities during the existing situation.”

•INVESTIGATION BY LEAGUE. REPORTS AT FIRST HAND.

GENEVA, Jan. 30. The League Council accepted the Secretary-General’s proposal to appoint a commission composed of representatives of League members at Shanghai to investigate events and. report to the League. Rumours that China had decided to declare war caused excited comment. PROVISIONS OF ARTICLES 10 AND 16.

Article 10 of the Covenant, which, with Article 15, the Chinese have invoked, is an undertaking by the members of the League to respect and preserve territorial integrity and .existing political independence of all members, against external aggression. Article 15 lays it down that if any dispute should arise between members of the League, likely to lead to a rupture, which is not submitted to arbitration or judicial settlement, as provided for by the Covenant, it shall be submitted to the Council. Any party 'to the disqute may also make a submission by giving notice of the existence of the dispute to the Secretary-General of the League, who will then make all arrangements for'.an investigation. The Council will then try to effect , a settlement. , ' Either party has the right to have the dispute' heard before the Assembly of the League, provided it requests this course within H.days of the submission to tho Council. ■ :r

/ INQUIRY EXPEDITED,

LEAGUE HASTENS TO ACT.

Received February 1, 9.5 a.m. GENEVA, Jan. 31. The League Council is' expediting its inquiry into the Shanghai-Mancliu-rian affair. The committee may travel across Siberia, thus saving ten days.

FAILURE OF PEACE PAULEYS.

PRECAUTIONS IN HONG KONG.

Received February 1. 9.55 a.m. HONG KONG. Jan. 31. Private advice from Shanghai indicates that the Chinese-Japanese Peace Conference has failed. The cruiser Berwick departs for Shanghai at dawn to-morrow carrying a company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders'. Meanwhile, tinhatted British troops and. police are patrolling the Hong Kong streets ns an emergency measure. WAR DECLARATION DENIED. SHORT OUTBURST OF FIRING. Received February 1, 10.5ta.m. SHANGHAI, Jan. 31. Following a prolonged silence in the battle area with the whole atmosphere at Shanghai charged with the greatest apprehension, heavy firing recommenced. at 11 o’clock last night, machine-gun and refle outbursts shattering the silence, but'it'lasted only twenty minutes. . Unconfirmed reports from Chinese sources state that two truck loads or Japanese blue jackets, who entered Chapei for the purpose of taking up defence positions, were ambushed and annihilated. ’ . Nanking to-night denied its intention of declaring war but asserted that the whole nation was resolved to repulse the Japanese regardless oi sacrifices. COMMENT IN GERMANY. “SHAMEFUL AND GROTESQUE.” BiRLIN, Jan. 30. . The Vossische Zeitung states : ‘lt is shaiheful and grotesque that the Japanese and Chinese delegates should meet to discuss disarmament when their soldiers, are waging bloody war. The Berlinger Tageblatt states: It the Powers indulging in high-sounding phrases at Geneva about world peace remain inactive, world peace will become a dead word.” • The Germania is of opinion that the United States and Britain will strongly appose Japan’s action and fern's possible catastrophic consequences. MUSSOLINI INTERESTED. ITALY’S POLICY OF PEACE. ROME, Jan. 31. Signor Mussolini is closely following the developments in China as he has *a daughter married to the Italian Consul-General at Shanghai. Italy, owing to her desire to maintain trade with Cliina and Japan, will support any proposal promising the restoration of peace.