The story of the slaying of Dr. H. G, Wyatt and Miss Glasby, two missionaries, while on a journey between Taiyuan, and Taichau, by members of a Chinese mobile unit does not make very pleasant reading. Nor does there appear to be much excuse for it, Even after the first shot had been fired when Dr. Wyatt tore the British flag from the car, and, waving it, sought to approach the attackers, the Chinese oportod to have continued and even in-their fire. When, he returned to the car in an endeavour to carry the wounded chauffeur to a place of safety it should have been apparent to the Chinese soldiers that these were no people on hostilities bent but harmless indi duals who were not even secking to retaliate. It is, of course, quite possible that the Chinese soldiers did not recognize the British flag, but it is difficult to believe that they did not realize it was not a Japanese, with the colour and of which they should all be familiar by Fortunately few if any other stories of Chinese brutality towards foreigners have come to hand during the hostilities, and such cases as have occurred have to be taken on their its. In this instance it certainly appears that the Chinese did not behave with all the caution they might have done, for it is difficult to see how a lone car could have proved to be any threat to themselves, and in any event they could have made more certain of what the; were doing before opening fire. On the ethel hand pride will bò felt over the heroism d played by Dr. Wyatt\When he realized that hi: efforts to apprise the Chinese soldiers of the party's identity were likely to fail, he turned his attention to getting the unconscious chautleur into a place of greater safety than the terior of the car, and it was while trying to him under cover of the roadside ditch that he received a bullet wound which was so shortly afterwards to end his life. His death was as much a sacrifice of self as his life for the Cifinese had been Empire Air Day Coincident with Empire Day celebrations. in which the British community of Shanghai today will participate liberally, is the Empire Air Day which, thi assumes unusual importance, In former years, tha activities and progress of the Royal Air Force were demonstrated at the annual Hendon air pageant when a marvellous programme was provided for the public. firstly, on behalf of Air Force charities which have benefitted tremendously since this form of display was introduced, and, secondly, on the part of the public who have been able to witness the performances of the Royal Air Force in exhibitions which may appear mere spectacular stunts but reveal service efficiency, Last year. the pageant was abandoned because it has surpassed the ordinary aerodrome capabilities which made it possible, and the widespread character of Empire Air Day makes for something national and not confined to London. On Empire Air Day, falling next Saturday, scores of military and civil aerodromes all over the country will be open to the public and the appeal will be more general. In the meantime, the Air Ministry has arranged for 400 aeroplanes to tour the country and formation flights of the latest machines will be seen at many towns and cities. with the largest flight touring the Midlands bringing to millions the sight of the new force which will play so large a part in national defence. On the whole, it is a better idea for in these days when Pritaii air re-armament is reaching fruition it is necessary that the country should be witness to it and not merely the population of London. While the Metropolis guides and directs, the provinces build and support.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.