BRITAIN BLAMED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20016, 15 August 1939, Page 5

BRITAIN BLAMED

VERSION OF JAPANESE CAMPAIGN INTENSIFIED • ' SURPRISE IN TIENTSIN ARMOURED CARS ACTIVE (Eloc. To). Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Rccd. Aug. 15, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 14. It is reported from Tokio that the Japanese military representatives from Tientsin left Tokio by air today, staling there was no justification for further delay in the talks and that the blockade of Tientsin would be strengthened unless Britain changed her policy.

Major-General Muto, in a statement, said: "The Japanese demands are the absolute minimum.” He paid tribute to the efforts of the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, but declared that Britain had failed to understand the Far Eastern situation and must recognise realities if she desired to safeguard her interests and must reflect on her own conduct if she desired* the anti-British campaign to end. Invaders Scattered The appearance of two British armoured cars in Tientsin- to-day caused Japanese soldiers who were illegally searching a Chinese junk moored at the British wharves to take to their heels. The Chinese crowd cheered. Armoured cars are patrolling the British Concession in view of the start of an intensive anti-British campaign.

A Tsingtao message states that an anti-British mob attacked the British and American Company’s tobacco plant at I-tu and damaged the furniture and windows.

It is reported from Shanghai that the authorities at the International Settlement have banned all further European refugees. All British subjects have now been evacuated from Shansi.

The anti-British demonstrations continue at Tientsin and Pekin.