GRAVE CONCERN

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20730, 14 February 1939, Page 7

GRAVE CONCERN

JAPANESE IN HAINAN MENACE TO HONGKONG THREAT TO THE PACIFIC United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright, HONGKONG, Feb. 13 It is reported that the Japanese Have conscripted civilians in Hainan Island for the building of aerodromes and the dredging of the harbour at lloihow to take bigger warships. They have forbidden anyone to quit the island, and patrols are machinegunning refugees attempting to reach the mainland. The gravest concern is felt in Hongkong, where it is pointed out that a Japanese air base at Hainan would menace Hongkong, Manila and Singapore, while a submarine base would threaten all the trade routes east of Singapore. Marshal Chiang Kai-shek declares that if the Japanese are permitted to hold the island and establish a naval and air base, it will be the turning point in the international situation in the Pacific.

NO TERRITORIAL DESIGNS ASSURANCE TO FRANCE Attitude TO THE CONFLICT (United press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 13 The Japanese Foreign Office to-day issued a statement that the Foreign Minister, Mr llachiro Arita, had assured the French Ambassador thal Japan had no territorial designs in Hainan, and would occupy the island only so long as it was necessary from the military point of view. The Paris newspaper Le Temps states that if the occupation is intended to be permanent France and Britain might ffud it necessary to revise their attitude to the SinoJapancse contlict and the general situation in the Far East. Chinese casualties since the Japanese laudimg at Hainan total 250 killed and Gu taken prisoner, says a message from Tokio. The Japanese lost three men killed and two wounded. A brigade of irregulars defended the island, the remainder of the division, with 10,000 rifles, having gone to the mainland after the fall of Canton. ACTIVITY ON HAINAN ISLAND REPRESENTATIONS TO JAPAN ANGLO-FRENCH CO-OPERATION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 12. The British Government is closely contacting the French Government in connection with Hainan Island and is making representations to Tokio. The French Ambassador is a-cting similarly. ANGLO-FRENCH CONSULTATIONS QUESTION IN THE COMMONS (Official Wireless) (Received Feb. 14. 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 13 Mr Chamberlain was asked in the House of Commons if lie was aware that the Japanese had landed on Hainan Island and whether he would immediately consult wnh France with a view to the joint protection of French interests. ■Mr R. A. Butler, who replied, said: “Yes. Viscount Halifax is already in touch with France on this matter.” He added that no reply had been received from Japan to Britain’s note regarding China. JAPAN’S WAR OUTLAY BIG EXPENDITURE APPROVED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Feb. 14, noon) TOKIO, Feb. 13 The -Army and Navy account for onethird of the 'Budget. An expenditure of £2 15,000,000 was approved by the Diet, also a special war budget of £77,000,000. FOUNDATION OF EMPIRE CELEBRATION IN JAPAN GIFT FROM THE EMPEROR UrJted Press Assn.—Elcc. Tel. Copyright TOKIO, Feb. 12 Japan yesterday celebrated the 2599th anniversary of the foundation of the Empire. The ceremonies were under the personal direction of the Emperor Ilirohito at the Palace, where the princes and members of the Cabinet attended. The Emperor gave £11.700 to social welfare funds, and 300 prisoners were given parole. Processions were held in the city.