SHELLING OF WARSHIPS
(N,Z.P,A.-
— Reuter,
Mr. Attlee Explains Why Air Support Wasn't Cailed '
, Copyright)
Received Tuesday, 9.55 a.m. LONDON, May I. The Pfime Minister, Mr. Attlee, stated in answer to questions in the House of»Commons today that the nearest R.A.F. fighter aircraft to the British naval vessels in the Yangtze River when they were attacked by Chinese Communist gunfire were in Malaya, some 2000 mlles away. Mtf. Attlee added: "It was the de*cision of the flag officer, which I support, not to call upon them. Itis not usual to provide air support for ships of the Royal Navy proceeding on their lawful and peaceful occasions. None was available in the Yangtze area on the eve of April 20. When our ships were attacked, Sunderlands were seftt toi from Hong Kong. One reaehed Shanghai on April 21 and another on April 23." There was no suggestion 'of forcing a passage up the Yangtze, added Mr. Atclee. Admiral Taymr (Conservative) said that the Prime Minister's statement was qui'te correet abou the Amethyst being on a lawful mission. buthe added, "Was not the whole situation altered immediately the Amethyst had been shelled by the Communists — an act of piracy?" Mr. Attlee made no reply.
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Chronicle (Levin), 3 May 1949, Page 5
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201SHELLING OF WARSHIPS Chronicle (Levin), 3 May 1949, Page 5
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