The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-02-12

ministers were discussing over
their dinner the possibilities Of
restoring peace.
Shanghai, Feb. 12.-(F-A new
movement for peace, through the
mediation of Nelson T. johnson. U.
S. minister to China, and the Brit
ish and French ministers, was begun
today by Chinese merchants in
Shanghai.
The merchants began by seeking
an extension of the mercy" truce
which was in effect today for the
evacuation of non-combatants and
wounded from Chapel and it was un-
derstood they planned to ask the
foreign ministers to mediate, with
the hope Of opening lasting peace
negotiations between the govern
ments at Marking and Tokyo.
The three foreign ministers arrived
today from Marking.
Japanese consular officials charged
this afternoon the Chinese soldiers
had broken the mercy" truce, auth
orized from 8 a. m. to noon to permit
removal of civilians and wounded
soldiers, from ruined Chapel.
Charge Chinese Fired
The Japanese charges said during
the four-hour period Chinese SOL
diers and snipers fired at least five
times on Japanese troops standing
by in accordance with the truce
agreement. It was indicated the
charges were being handed to the
members Of the foreign consular
corps by the Japanese consulate Of
ficials.
Japanese military officials denied
there was any intent to extend the
truce, although they declined to say
whether hostilities were likely to be-
gin soon.
Japanese authorities threatened to
take strong measures in Nantao and
south Shanghai In retaliation for al
legged sniping by Chinese at the jap
anese war vessels on the Nantao wa
ter front. The population became
panicky and began hasty exodus to
the countryside. Should fighting oc-
eur at Nantao the international set
Element would be encircled on all sides
by a battle area.
Comparative quiet continued over
Chapel through the afternoon, how
ever, although heavy fighting was in
progress between the nassed armies
at Woosung, the stubborn fortress
and city where the Chinese have
withstood terrific onslaughts for
more than a week. Regarding Chapel
the officials said the future was
highly uncertain"
5000 Victims Evacuate -.
More than 5000 marooned victims
of a terrible two-week battle were
brought out Of Chapel during the
four-hour truce, many of them
wounded soldiers in ambulances.
These were taken to hospitals.
But it was not easy for Father
Jacquinot, who arranged the truce
and his mercy" corps. bearing Red
Cross flags, to persuade some Of the
Chinese families to retire out of
reach of the bombs and machine
guns. They hesitated long about
leaving their homes, even in the
abattoir Chapel had become, and
ssome of them refused all persuasion,
preferring to remain with their
household goods and their possess
sions, in their own homes. to the
safety and modicum of comfort they
might find In sectors of peace.
At Woosung the japanese appaf-
emily had decided to increase the
power of their hitherto fruitless at
tack. They had 500 pound bombs
ready to drop. although none Of these
giants was used during the earlier
part Of the battle. The .warship and
artillery. however, bombarded the
village and the forts. while machine
gunners Of the two forces, facing each
other across Woosung creek, raked
either bank Of the stream with gusts
of fire. ..'.'''
laps Claim Heavy Toll
The japanese claimed their ma
chine gunners had taken q heavy toll
among the Chinese on the opposite
bank. Each side accused the other Of
having precipitated the battle anew.
The people throughout the sector.
which has been the no mans and for
severe fighting for two weeks scarcely
seemed to know. what they were do
ing. the rescuers said. Some laughed
and some sang and some cried-aN
historically. Told to come tc safety.
the anxious ones grabbed. snything
they could, whether Jed post. q
chair or anything that came to hand.
lust so it was something to save.
Admiral Nomura. japanese fleet
commander. requested the British
cruiser Berwick lying off Woosung to
move from there by 8 p. m. This was
taken as an indication the Japanese
intended to begin another intensive
bombardment.