NAVAL GUARDS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 May 1939, Page 5

NAVAL GUARDS

ON LINERS IN FAR EAST BRITAIN’S REPORTED INTENTION. STRONG PROTEST MADE TO JAPAN. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. LONDON, May 25. Following' on reports of the hold-up by a Japanese destroyer of the British liner Banpnra yesterday, messages from Shanghai today state that it is believed that naval omards will be posted on all British ships in Far Eastern waters henceforfh. An unconfirmed report from Shanghai states that the Japanese seized three sealed mailbags from the Ranpura belonging to the British military authorities at Hong Kong. It is officially stated that Admiral Sir Percy Noble, commander-in-chief of the China Squadron, has lodged a very strong protest with the Japanese regarding the stopping of the Ranpura. Meanwhile, a veritable armada has arrived at Amoy (mainland port opposite the island of Kulangsu), consisting of five British, two American, three French, and eight Japanese warships.

JAPANESE THREAT DEADLOCK IN KULANGSU NEGOTIATIONS. (Independent Cable Service.) HONG KONG, May 25. The negotiations between the naval authorities concerning Kulangsu suddenly reached a deadlock yesterday, the Japanese refusing point-blank to withdraw further marines and threatening to land an additional force of several hundreds.

BLOCKADE DECLARED ACCORDING TO NAVAL SPOKESMAN. ‘•NOT A QUESTION OF RIGHTS.” (Received This Day, 9.55 a.m.) SHANGHAI. May 25. A Japanese naval spokesman proclaimed a blockade, extending for 200 miles from the Chinese coast, with the object of preventing the delivery of military supplies to China. He declined meantime to define contraband, but expressed the opinion that it might include food and medical supplies. Although he refused to comment on Japan's attitude should third Powers provide naval escorts for liners, he Glared that it probably will not be necessary for United States ships. There would be no objection to peaceful trade with the areas occupied by the Japanese, but the goods embraced by such trade were not specified. Explaining the boarding of the Ranpura, he declared that it was not a question of rights, but what the Japanese authorities demand, namely, power to stop any ship on the China coast.

JAPANESE CHARGE NAVAL OFFICER WOUNDED BY BRITISH SENTRY. PROPOSAL TO DEMAND APOLOGY. SHANGHAI. May 25. The Japanese are enraged by an incident yesterday when a British sentry forcibly halted and allegedly wounded bv bayonet Lieutenant-Commander Noji. commander of a naval party proceeding to a British-owned mill at Pootung. , , Japanese newspapers publish a photograph of the sentry holding the point of his bayonet at the foot of Noji’s stomach. An interpreter is also stated to have been scratched. The Japanese intend to demand an apology and disciplinary action. The Domer agency reports that the French naval commander, Vice-Admi-ral de Coux, has left for Shanghai after refusing further negotiations with the Japanese over Kulangsu. CATEGORICAL DENIAL. BY BRITISH CONSULATE. (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) SHANGHAI, May 25. The British consulate categorically denies that a British bluejacket wounded a Japanese officer at Pootung.

BAN ON IMPORTS. (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) TIENTSIN. May 25. The Japanese have banned imports of wool, cotton and carpets into the International Settlement.