BLOCKADE OF CHINA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 May 1939, Page 6

BLOCKADE OF CHINA

MODIFICATION OF JAPANESE PLANS / STATEMENT BY NAVAL SPOKESMAN. RECURRENCE OF INCIDENTS UNLIKELY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) SHANGHAI, May 29. The naval spokesman, in announcing a modification of the Japanese coastal blockade, said such incidents as the boarding of the Ranpura and Aramis were unlikely to recur, because vessels whose nationality was clear and i which were unlikely to aid General Chiang Kai-shek would not be detained. Naval parties would still board suspicious ships. Traffic would be prohibited and clearances refused from Shanghai to nine coastal ports in Chinese-controlled territory. The Japanese would demand even if foreign warships escorted ships, that such warships must ascertain whethei- merchantmen were carrying contraband. An Independent Cable Service message from Shanghai states that Kulangsu is not blockaded, but that the Japanese are making the situation difficult, hindering supplies, of vegetables being brought from the mainland. Prices of provisions have risen, as at present they must be secured from Shanghai.