HONG KONG BLOCKADE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 August 1939, Page 5

HONG KONG BLOCKADE

COLONY VIRTUALLY ON WAR FOOTING PRECAUTIONS AGAINST JAPANESE ACTION. SOVIET HELP FOR CHINA. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. HONG KONG. August 24. The British colony is virtually on a war-time footing in the face of a complete .Japanese blockade. The Government lias appealed to all British subjects over the age of 41 Io enrol in the air-raid precautions organisation, the lighting services or the civilian defence services. The response has been magnificent, and the actual mobilisation of them is the only additional step necessary. Britisli women and children have been advised to leave the border towns. The steps taken are precautionary because of the European situation and not fear of Japanese action. It is reliably stated that the Soviet is sending 200 aircraft and other war equipment to aid the Chinese Air Force and that it is also lending experts and pilots, this move being the result of a big barter deal. LEAVE CANCELLED. BRITISH TROOPS IN SHANGHAI. SHANGHAI. August 24. All leave of British troops has been cancelled. It is reported that more than 10,000 Japanese troops have arrived in the Shanghai area. Riots occurred because of die high cost of rise resulting from the currency collapse. Many persons were arrested. FLOODS RISING POSITION IN TIENTSIN INTENSIFIED. TIENTSIN. August 24. The floods have become worse and the river has risen 13 feet above the lowest sections of the city. The Italians have declared martial law in an effort to maintain order among the thousands of Chinese attempting to take refuge in the concession.