The gravity of the situation is further indicated by the announcement that the British Naval authorities are arranging for the evacuation of women and children by boats leaving Shanghai this week. The statement makes it abundantly clear that the evacuation thus proposed is essential for the proper defence of the Settlement, Thi: is where women know how to do their part. By removing them and their children from the affected area, their menfolk will assure themselves not only' of the safety of those dear to them but of their own best chance of coming through a perilous situation which demands that concentration on defence should not be hampered by any aveidable commitment. It will be possible to get all women away this week if the rangements proposed are faithfully and loyally supported by the community. In certain circumstances which are admitted by the responsible authori-3 to be cogent, the presence of women and children may be a positive menace to the of their menfolk. Comparisons with former experiences cannot safely be made, The task of coping with this situation is immeasurably complicated by the enormous strength of the conflicting armies round the Settlement, apart from the growth of modern armaments of which both Chinese and Japanese have a generous supply. Although neither Government in Nanking or Tok; may desire to involve the settlement is it not perfectly plain that they are helpless in view of the occurrences of the past week? At any rate it is eminently unsafe to rely on a forbearance on their part, however much they may desire otherwise. Of the political evolution which makes it impossible to defend the Settlement on the same lines as on previous occasions it is not necessary to speak. It is sufficient to accept the considered opinion of the Commander-in-Chief of the China Fleet that evacuation is vital to the needs of the moment and to the task which the British naval and Military forces and the Settlement authorities have to discharge to the best of their ability
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.