FRENCH INVOLVED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 250, 3 August 1937, Page 5

FRENCH INVOLVED

CLASH WITH THE JAPANESE. INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS ISSUE. TROOPS ARRAYED FOR BATTLE. iUnited, Press Association-Copyright 3 TIENTSIN, August 2. A tense situation has been caused by a clash between French and Japanese troops on Saturday. The French troops are arrayed for battle, and backed by tanks, are facing the Japanese across the International Bx-idge, between their respective concessions. French officials declare that the Japanese threatened to use force unless they were allowed across the bridge into the French concession. The French replied that they would resist to the utmost. The French are also preparing to defend tlieir barracks adjoining the Japanese aerodrome. A clash occurred when the French resisted an attempt by Japanese to disarm them, in contravention of the Boxer Treaty international rights. A message from Shanghai says that fears of major hostilities were intensified by reports that the Chinese are planning a counter-offensive at Tientsin. Thousands of Chinese are fleeing from the area. A wholesale evacuation of Japanese residents from ports in Central China is also proceeding. APOLOGY TO THE FRENCH. PROMISE OF NON-INTERFERENCE JAPANESE AND THE CONCESSION. —" t (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) TIENTSIN, August 2. The Japanese apologised to the commander of the French garrison and promised not to interfere in the Concession. BLOODSHED AVERTED. COURAGEOUS ENGLISHMAN’S ACT PACIFICATION OF BOTH SIDES. S -*«n "’ * * '' ' • (Received This Gay, 1.5 p.m.) PEIPING, August 2. How Major D. J. Cowan (British Charge d’Affaires) saved hundreds of lives by courageously intervening to prevent street fighting is now disclosed. The Japanese were preparing to bombard the inner city last week and the Chinese were arranging resistance. Major Cowan, supported by the Embassy’s prestige, called on them to de sist. Both were unwilling without mutual assurances. Major Cowan negotiating with them alternatively. By strictness and impartiality he pacified both. The city is now ruled by a temporary Govei'nment of five depai-tments, including many Japanese advisers. SOVIET CONSULATE RAIDED. JAPANESE SEIZE DOCUMENTS. SHANGHAI, August 2. White Russians, accompanied by Japanese, are reported to have raided the Soviet Consulate at Tientsin and seized correspondence. A message from Tientsin says the Japanese have notified the foreign consuls that they intend to occupy the southern end of Tientsin, where numerous foreigners live, as they believe hostile Chinese are sheltering there. The Japanese also announced that they intend to bomb any area where anti-Japanese action occurs. General Katsuki (the Japanese com-mander-in-chief) has issued a statement declaring that it -depends on the Nanking Government whether ai-med force is used further throughout the whole of China. He demands the cessation of Chinese troop movements northward. PROTEST BY THE SOVIET. (Received This Day, 1.5 p.m.) PEIPING, August 2. The Soviet Ambassador has jn-otested to Japan regarding the raid on the Consulate at Tientsin, demanding punishment of the' offenders and restoration of the property.