SCARAB INCIDENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 June 1939, Page 5

SCARAB INCIDENT

LEGAL LANDING OF NAVAL STORES UNWARRANTED INTERFERENCE BY JAPANESE. PROTEST MADE BY BRITISH AUTHORITIES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received This Day, 9 a.m.) SHANGHAI, June 20. British Naval officials have protested against the unwarranted interference of Japanese troops while H.M.S, Scarab was legally attempt--1 ing to land naval stores. It was denied that British sailors pointed machine-guns. The Japanese* protest made yesterday was never received, it was stated. MUCH DEPLETED JAPAN’S GOLD RESERVES. MOTIVE FOR AGGRESSION AT TIENTSIN. (Received This Day, 9 a.m.) LONDON, June 20. The' “Evening Standard,’ in its regular “diary feature,” says Japan’s gold reserves, which a year ago were 750 millions sterling, are now twentyfive millions. It is freely stated in Tokio business circles that the Chinese war cannot be maintained for six months unless new money is obtained; hence the pressure on Britain at Tientsin, on the grounds that liquidation of American and European interests in China, which may be thus provoked, would provide the muchneeded cash. BRITISH RIGHTS IN CHINESE TREATY PORTS. POSITION MADE CLEAR TO JAPAN. LONDON, June 19. Replying to supplementary questions in the House of Commons, Mr Chamberlain said that the offer to refer the original question of four suspects to an international advisory committee stood, and he assured Mr Eden that the Government would do whatever was necessary regarding food supplies to the concession. The food shortage in the British Concession at Kulangsu was also raised, and Mr Butler gave similar assurances. Mr Butler was also asked about a statement attributed to the Japanese spokesman at Shanghai that despite British rights the Japanese reserved the right to take summary action against any foreigner, who, in the Japanese opinion, endangered the safety of the Japanese forces in the occupied areas. : He replied: “Lord Halifax has seen Press reports of the statement in question. Britain does not recognise the right of the Japanese to arrest or detain British subjects in any circumstances, and Japan has been left in no doubt of Britain’s attitude in the matter.” ACTION BY MINERS BOYCOTT OF JAPANESE GOODS. (Received This Day, 10.50 a.m.) w LONDON, June 20. The Miners’ Federation has decided that 80.000 South Wales miners’ wives shall boycott Japanese goods.