NIGHT OF HORROR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 204, 30 July 1937, Page 7

NIGHT OF HORROR

BOMBARDMENT OF TIENTSIN APPALLING HAYOC CAUSED (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph. Copyright.) Received July 30, 12.10 p.m. TIENTSIN, July 29. It is a night of horror in Tientsin. Large areas of the congested Chinese quarter are still ablaze, luridly lighting the evening shy. The casualties are not yet known, but they must be heavy. t The indirect damage as a result of the intensive Japanese bombing is described as “appalling.” The volunteer fire brigades did their utmost to stem the destruction, but the flames swept through the ramshackle 1 buildings like a bushfire. The situation is now -described as quiet, most of the Chinese fatalistically accepting the destruction. Many remained impassive, even while the planes were raining dea„li from the skies. Meanwhile trained troops of the Nanking Government are approaching Tientsin. Pierce fighting is reported iu the vicinity. General Chiang Kai-shek has issued a statement that China is determined to fight to the last man.

JAPANESE ATTITUDE. A Pekin report says that, contrasting with the virtual war in Tientsin, life in Pekin has returned to normal. The defence works have been pulled down and few soldiers are in evidence. A committee consisting of equal numbers of Chinese and Japanese has taken over the administration. The next steps are uncertain, but it is stated in Tokio that Japan will not tolerate foreign intervention. Mr Koki Hirota told the Diet that England, America, and Russia are well aware that Japan intends to seek a settlement on the spot. The Prime Minister declared tlyit Japan not only seeks a local settlement, but intends to fundamentally readjust her relationship with China, as she desires the territorial integrity of China and is resolved to prevent foreign influence dominating her. The newspapers express anxiety regarding Britain's attitude.