ENTRY TO SWATOW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1939, Page 5

ENTRY TO SWATOW

CONCEDED TO BRITISH . SHIPS ANXIETY IN HONG KONG RELIEVED. anti-british agitation IN TSINGTAO. HONG KONG, June 24. The Japanese have agreed that Britis ships shall have the full r^nt o£ try to Swatow from noon local time yesterday. Passengers, mail and food can be landed; but no general cargo. The decision has relieved Hong Kong of anxiety concerning food, because it receives most of its. perishable commodities through Swatow. A Japanese communique reports a naval landing on Chusan Island, and also on the adjacent Taishan Island, with the object of cutting off Ningpo s seaborne trade. Tsingtao is the latest city gripped by anti-British fever. Abusive slogans are affixed to buildings, including the British consulate. The Japanese compelled Chinese and Russians to participate in meetings and processions culminating in a demonstration outside the consulate.

The British United Press correspondent reports that the British Consul in Chefoo asked the naval authorities to send a warship in view of the threatening political situation. He says anti-British parades and mass meetings are being held throughout Chefoo. The Japanese- have lifted the sea blockade at Swatow, in the vicinity of which the Chinese are now fighting back and are reported to have stemmed the Japanese advance to Chacau. Huge fires started by the Chinese before the retreat from Swatow illumined the night sky for miles and destroyed numerous warehouses. The Chinese also wrecked the waterworks. The Japanese report that the occupation was completed early on Friday morning.