IN THE FAR EAST

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20275, 18 August 1937, Page 7

IN THE FAR EAST

A GRAVE SITUATION. BRITISH GOVERNMENT PERTURBED PROTECTING LIVES AND PROPERTY (Official Wireless.) (Received Aug. 18, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Aug. 17. Mr. Anthony Eden and Viscount Halifax are in close consultation this morning with permanent officials at ttic Foreign Ofllcc on the grave situation In the Far East. This afternoon they discussed the latest developments in Shanghai and the measures being taken for the protection of British lives and interests with their Cabinet colleagues. The Ministers were together for about two hours, and gave consideration to all possible steps which might be taken to ensure a peaceful outcome from the tension in Shanghai. They also decided to take all possible measures to protect the safety of British citizens In the International Settlement anil secure British interests there. Cessation of Attacks Urged. Messages from Shanghai report that the influence of the British and other Governments is still being directed towards securing the agreement of tlie parlies to a plan for tiie cessation ol attacks. The defence of their nationals in the foreign settlements In Shanghai is the concern of all Governments, but It did not appear that Shanghai residents were in any danger before the landing of the Japanese reinforcements, and it is far from clear in ttie estimation ot observers in London whether their ideas of military prestige or the safety of their nationals come llrst as the motive of the present Japanese action. BRITAIN’S CHINA SQUADRON. DISPOSITION OF TIIE VESSELS. I CO-ORDINATION OF FORCES. (Official Wireless.) Aug. 18, It a.m.) RUGBY, Aug. 17. Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Little commander in charge of the China station, who is now at Shanghai, it responsible for the co-ordination of Hu British forces in China. The disposition of the British naval vessels In China waters is:— At Shanghai—the cruiser Cumberland, the llagship of Yice-Admira Little, and the cruiser Suffolk. In the vicinity of Saddle Island —the light cruiser Danae, the destroyei leader Duncan, ttie destroyer Duehes: and the escort vessel, Falmouth. At Tsing-tao—The aircraft carrier Eaglo and the destroyers Decoy, Dainty and Delight. At Cliiang Wang-tao-—The minelayer Adventurer and the destroyer Defender. At Nanking—The cruiser Capetown. At Cliefoo —The destroyer Diana.