RESPONSE TO U.S. NOTE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 79, 27 December 1937, Page 7

RESPONSE TO U.S. NOTE

Strict Orders Issued To Japanese Authorities (Received 27, 9.30 a.m.) TOKIO, Dec. 24. The text of the Japanese reply revealed that rigid orders have been issued to the Army, Navy and Foreign Officte to pay increased attention against the infringement of foreign interests and maintain closer contact with the American authorities. It adds: "In addition to the recall of the Flying Corps commander, members of the staffi of the fleet commanv..cr, flying squadron and others responsible have been duly dealt with according to the law." The text points Out that the Japanese Navy issued without delay strict orders to "exereise the greatest chution in every area where warships and other vessels belonging to America or any third Power are present for the ' purpose of avoiding the recurrence of a similar mistake even at the sacrifie© of strategic advantage in attacking Chinese troops." Mr Hirota says: "It is fully established that the attack on the Panay was entirely unintentional and due to a mistake." Japax. fervently liopes the United States Government will appreciate that the drastie steps against those responsible was taken from a sincre desire by Japan to safeguard the rights and interests of the United States and other third Powers.