DEEMED A THREAT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20009, 7 August 1939, Page 5

DEEMED A THREAT

WHITEHALL HINT FLEET FOR FAR EAST REACTION OF JAPANESE BLOCKADE INTENSIFIED TIEN TSIN IR R-I TAT lON (Elec. Tol. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 7, 11.50 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. G. Messages from Tokio state that the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, was to-day still awaiting instructions from London concerning Japan’s economic demands which brought the negotiations to a standstill. Although progress has been achieved, it appears that the Domei Agency's reported agreement of Saturday was premature, but not entirely groundless. The Domei Agency stated on Saturday that at the morning's meeting of the British and Japanese delegates it was agreed that the alleged Chinese assassins of a puppet official be immediately handed over; that there be co-operation between the Japanese authorities and the Municipal Council in the search for anti-Japanese elements and Communists within the British Concession; and that there be strict control of anti-Japanese publications and education within the Concession, together with the replacement of anti-Japanese policemen by Japanese police, and the appointment of Japanese advisers to the Municipal Council. Extreme Irritation The Japanese Government is said to be considering instructing the Ambassador in London to seek for a specific meaning of Mr. Neville Chamberlain’s references on Friday to the possibility of Britain transferring a fleet to the Far East. This statement is interpreted as a threat in official quarters. The Japanese War Office spokeman expressed “extreme irritation” over the statement, adding that Britain was playing a dangerous game and that Japan could not me bluffed. The Japanese naval spokesman commenting at Tokio on Mr. Chamberlain’s speech, said: We have been expecting, since the completion of the Singapore base, that Britain would send battleships and other augmented forces there any time, but probably the conditions in Europe will keep the Bri'ish fleet at home at present.” French Co-operation It is stated in London that if the British fleet goes to Japan in accordance with Mr. Chamberlain’s hint, the French battleships Dunkerque and Strasbourg would watch the German pocket battleships in the Atlantic. A report • from Tientsin says that the blockade of the concession lias been rigorously tightened, presumably as a reply to Mr. Chamberlain’s speech. Meat is not available. People trying to take in even half a pound are being turned back at the barriers Unions, cabbages and potatoes, are all of inferior quality, and are the only foodstuffs that can be purchased. Residents in the concession are reduced to tinned foods. The position is serious.

It is revealed that the rioters on Friday also smashed the windows and furniture in the premises of Butterfield, Swire, Limited. A mob of 2000 traversed the streets openly on lorries. The Japanese sentries near the scene of the outrages looked on without taking action. The British Consul-General, Mr. Jamieson, is preparing a strong protest.