Demand for Full Satisfaction

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 69, 14 December 1937, Page 5

Demand for Full Satisfaction

—Press Assn.-

FEELING STRAINED Most Serious Attack Yet on U.S. Flag REACTIONS IN AMERICA

(By Telegrapb

-Oopyrizht.)

(Eeceived 14, 10.45 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 13. American and Japanese xelations are more strained than at any time in many years over the attaclc on the Pan^y and the tankers. Offieials of the State Department are stunned by what is regarded as the most serious attack on the United States flag since the Chinese confiict began. It is understood the Administration executives will not be satisfied with apologies and regrets,- while a number of members of Gongress have already declared that the United States must demand full satisfaction. One foreign diplomat said the Panay incident might be the turning point in Japan's undeclared war on China, creating the possibility of democratic nations, especially Britain and tho United States, co-operating to halt Japan's activities in China. Meanwhile, it is believed that copies of the official dispatches concerning the incident will be delivered to White House immodiately. The Ambassador to China, Mr N. T. Johnson, notified the State Department that the Panay and three Standard Oil steamers loaded with refugees were bombed and sunk. The number of casualties was not known. The survivors totalled 54, including two seeretaries and a clerk attached to the American Embassy. Lieutenant-Commander J. J. Hughes, of the Panay, received a broken leg. The Navy Department began an inquiry. Mr Johnson informed the State Department that the survivors of the Panay and the tankers were maroonod at Hoshien when the Japanese attacked the town, but the strongest possible protest was made, whereupon the attack ceased. Meanwhile, indicating the seriousness of the matter, the State Department, althougk it was Sunday, opened immediately. The Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull, said he hoped to aswemble the facts speedily. It was indicated that the Government would await completo details before deciding on its action. Bepresentative Fish demanded tho immediate withdrawal of the United States gunboats from Chinese waters and issued a warning against hot tempers which might provolte war. " We must remain cool and not lose our heads," he said. Bepresentative Maverick said: "We must immediately adopt a policy, preferably of strict neutrality. We should learn that it is about time to mind our own business." Senator Capper said it was a grave matter requiring a full explanation, but they should immediately withdraw the gunboats to avoid further complications. "We do not want a war with Japan or. China, J' he. added.,.