The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-02-05
Great Powers to Confer
Further on Peace Note
to Japan.
TENSION Is RELIEVED
Situation in Shanghai Is
Believed Less PeriIouS
for Foreigners.


WASHINGTON, Feb. 5.-Extend-
ed conversations among the west
ern powers, it was indicated today.
probably will precede presentation
OF new peace suggestions to Japan.
Secretary of State Stimson is be-
ing delayed by the illness of Prime
Minister Macdonald of Great
Britain and the absence of Foreign
Minister Sir John Simon from Lon
don in discussing with the British
the new proposals invited by Japan.
There were indications that there
might be a delay of a day or two
before the suggestions are formu-
lated.
Meanwhile, the state department
feels that the situation at Shang-
hal, while still grave, has been less
perilouS to Americans because of
Japanese withdrawal from vantage
points in the international settle
ment. They were firing at Chinese
from these points and a counter at
tack was feared.
Vessels Are Barred
Reports to the state department
from the American consulate at
Shanghai said the mayor there had
announced special martial law,
preventing vessels from entering or
passing out of the harbor between
5 p. m. and a. m. daily. No OBJ
lection will be made by the United
States.
Chinese banks, the consulate said,
have resumed business. Rice shops
are conducting business through
half-cloSed doors as a precaution
against robbers. More than 10000
workers are unemployed in Shang-
hal.
The consulate summarized recent
developments at Shanghai as fol-
lows:
"The Woosung forts were not
silenced last Wednesday as had
been reported by Japanese.
Shells Strike Oil Plant
During the bombardment of the
WooSung forts some fifty shells
landed on the installation of the
Texas Oil Company. One shell
went through an empty tank be-
longing to the Asiatic Petroleum
Company.
1.-THE artillery duel between Jap
anese forces and the Chinese army
continued all day Thursday, with
more heavy gun fire than previ-
ouSly. Wednesday night was fairly
quiet, with only short intervals of
artillery, rife and machine gun fire.
1t was reported that some Chinese
troops were moving up to Chapel
(native section).
mo definite information as to
fire loss in the Chinese sector can
be obtained. 1t has been estimated
roughly that losses amount to $780,
100000 (Mexican) or more, but the
fires is progress probably will cause
double this damage"
Authoritative japanese sources
here today believed that the state
ment being prepared in Toxic by
the Japanese government for early
issuance would reveal an intention
on the part of Japan to send an
army of perhaps as many as 10000
soldiers to Shanghai.
General to Be in Command
1t was expected by these sources
that the statement would explain
that the soldiers were sent in the
belief that they would be effective
in controlling the Shanghai situa-
ton.
An officer with the rank of gen.
eral, it was believed, would be in
command.
These sources did not believe the
japanese. statement would contain
any general exposition of the jap
anese policy in the Orient. No copy
nor abstract Of the statement had
reached the Japanese embassy UP
to noon today.
The destroyer Simpson at Nam
king advised the navy department