HAINAN ISLAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 February 1939, Page 6

HAINAN ISLAND

JAPAN’S SUPPOSED INTENTIONS BLOCKING CHINESE SUPPLY ROUTES. ATTEMPT TO END WAR. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 12.10 p.m.) LONDON, February U “The Times” Tokio correspondent says Mr H. Arita’s answer to Sir Robert Craigie (British Ambassador) is intended to implj 7 that the Hainan Island occupation is a war measure not connected with the broader question of Pacific strategy. It is claimed that General' Chiang Kai?Shek is not reduced provincial war lordship because he continues to receive foreign supplies. Japan therefore is playing on Franco-British fears, to induce the closing of routes across their territory, after which General Chiang Kai?Shek will be deprived of supplies, and so will be unable to continue guerilla war on a national scale. “The Times” adds that it is safe to suppose the Japanese Admiralty has plans for the possible use of Hainan Island qs a base for q southern advance, but it is doubtful whethei’ visions of commanding the Pacific enter into calculations at present. The occupation is explainable by the imperative need to end the China war.

AMERICAN ACTION. DESTROYER TO INVESTIGATE. (Independent Cable Service.) (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) SHANGHAI, February 14. It is learned that the United States destroyer John D. Edwards has been ordered to Hainan Island “to investigate the situation, and aid United States nationals if required.”