THE FAR EAST

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21178, 30 July 1940, Page 6

THE FAR EAST

ARRESTS OF BRITISH MOVE BY JAPAN MYSTERIOUS DEATH (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, July 29 Japanese police, acting simultaneously in several cities, arrested 11 prominent British residents, mostly business men. They gave no reason for their action. Those arrested include: In Tokio, Captain C. H. James, R.N. (retired), chief representative of the Federation of British Industries; in Kobe, Mr Holden, who is president of the local British Association, Mr E. W. James, Mr F. M. Jonas, and Mr J. F. Drummond: in Osaka, Mr I\ M. MacNaughton, who is honorary Consul for Greece, and Mr J. F. James; two brothers named Ringer, from Shimonoseki and Nagasaki, and Reuter’s Tokio correspondent, Mr J. Cox, who was to be charged under the military secrets regulations. The British Consul was not allowed to interview Mr Cox.

The death of Mr Cox in mysterious circumstances is reported by the Domei news agency, 'which alleges that he jumped from the second floor of the headquarters of the Tokio gendarmerie and died from his injuries an hour and three-quarters later. The Japanese police, the Domei states, strenuously attempted to prevent Mr Cox’s act, but failed. The agency alleges that Mr Cox jumped from the room to escape punishment.

The British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, called on the Japanese Foreign Minister, Mr Yosuke Matsuoka, and discussed the arrests. The result of the discussions has not yet been disclosed. Some of the men. states a message from New York, may be charged with espionage.

A director of the Federation of British Industries in London said this morning that a charge of espionage against any of the representatives of the federation was fantastic. The federation was concerned solely with commercial matters. The police could search any of the federation’s files if they wanted to.