NEW JAP THREAT RIGHTS IN CHINA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19988, 13 July 1939, Page 5

NEW JAP THREAT

RIGHTS IN CHINA

PORTS BEING CLOSED BRITISH NAVAL ACTIVITY PROTECTION, OF' PROPERTY TOKIO DENIES CAMPAIGN (Elec. Tel. Copyriglit—United Press Assn.) (Reed. July 13, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, July 12. Reports from Tokio state that a new Japanese threat to the rights of third Powers endangering the lives and property of nationals has arisen as a result of the warning to evacuate Chuanchow, Tungshan, and Choolisien, The Japanese Foreign Office spokesman speaking in Tokio said that the ports were being closed bv means of booms at 0 p.m., local time, on Saturday. before which time tiie warships of third Powers and merchantmen were requested to leave.

Foreign nationals and shipping have also been advised by the Japanese to evacuate all the Fukien province area as military operations are intended. Shanghai reports state that naval activity and the redisposition of warships is Britain’s initial reply to the growing fury of the anti-British demonstrations in China Guard at Consulate The British Consulate at Tsingtao, around which a naval 1 guard is stationed, asked the Japanese for protection and warned them that they would be responsible for any dam age. 11.M.5. Diamond is going to Tsingtao instead of IT.M.S. Lowestoft, which lugs been diverted to an unknown destination. The Sandwich is hastening to Tier.; :nd the Falmouth is proceeding to Weihaiwei.

It was announced ip Tokio to-day that the first meeting of the British and .Japanese conference regarding Tientsin will be held on Saturday. Plain clothes Japanese led a Chinese mob who threw stones and fireworks through the windows of the British Consulate at Shanghai to-day and op July 2 at British banks and linns, Japanese soldiers and Chinese police did not attempt to keep order. Buildings in Shanghai are plastered with posters urging the Chinese to oust the British. Disowned by Government

Further messages from Tokio state that the Japanese Foreign Office spokesman to-day dissociated the Government from the anti-British campaign throughout Japan.

Tiie latest manifestation of the campaign was the appearance of anti-British posters in the streets mf Tokio. The' speaker described as insulting a question as to whether it could be assumed that the Japanese were fomenting an anti-British campaign in China. The Daily Express correspondent at Hong Kong reports that Jive divisions of Japanese landed at Dairen, and entrained for the Mongolian border to reinforce the Japanese fighting the Russians-and Mongolians.