SITUATION GRAVE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 June 1939, Page 6

SITUATION GRAVE

MR CHAMBERLAIN ON TIENTSIN BLOCKADE

Widening of t he Japanese Demands

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS OF POLICY RAISED

OTHER GREAT POWERS CONCERNED

(British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.25 a.in.) RUGBY, June 15. Tlie Prime .Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain), in a crowded and eager House of Commons, made statements on Tientsin, the limitation of profiteering in arms and the proposed rearrangement of machinery in connection with British publicity abroad. Speaking of the Far East, Mr Chamberlain said:— “A Japanese blockade of the British Concession in Tientsin began at six a.m. on Wednesday. British subjects and other foreigners are being detained and searched at barriers. J understand that food supplies are being allowed into the Concession, but there would appear to be a tendency for prices to rise. There has also been inter!eience with British shipping up and down the river. The British military authorities have taken all precautions possible for the maintenance of order and 11.M.5. Lowestoft is moored alongside the Bund of the British Concession. “The British Ambassador (Sir Robert Craigie) has t made full representations to the Japanese Foreign Minister (Mr Arita) in Tokio and has been instructed to point out the danger of provocative action by the local Japanese, which might lead to regrettable incidents. Sir Robert Craigie has further drawn attention to the serious implications of statements made by Japanese spokesmen that the incident would not be settled by the handing over of the accused men, but that the objective of the blockade is Jo secure a much wider form of co-operation from the British authorities in North China. “It is clear that if this statement represents the view of the Tokio authorities, the Japanese are using the incident to make demands far wider and more far-reaching than the question of handing over four men. Such demands would raise important questions of policy, in which other Great Powers are concerned no less than this country, and the closest touch is being maintained with France and America. “Meantime, Britain is considering the situation created by the refusal of the Japanese to accept its proposal for a committee of inquiry and by the continuance of the blockade of the Concession.” Mr Chamberlain -was asked whether the Government intended to invoke Article 7 of the Nine Power Treaty, -which provides for consultation between the signatory Powers. lie replied: “The situation is obviously grave and the Government is considering it in all aspects. I am not prepared at this moment to say what action we shall decide to take.” He declined to add anything in reply to suggestions from other members as to the action the Government might take.

MOST VIGOROUS PROTEST

Presented by British ConsnUGeneral

IMMEDIATE CESSATION OF SEARCHING DEMANDED

(Received This Day, 11.55 a.m.) TIENTSIN, June 15. The British Consul-General sent a Note to the Japanese Consul-General: “I most vigorously protest against the searching of British subjects and request an immediate cessation, and non-interference with British ships.”