RATHER DIE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 128, 2 June 1938, Page 7

RATHER DIE.

CAPTURE DISHONOUR.

Jap. Flyers Carry Hara-kiri

Daggers.

SOME HAVE NO PARACHUTES

United Press Association.—Copyright.

(Received 12 noon.) SHANGHAI, June 1

All Japanese naval airmen are provided Avith special hara-kiri daggers with which they are expected to commit suicide if they fall alive in enemy territory, said the Japanese naval spokesman denying the Chinese claim that 15 Japanese 'planes were shot down at Hankow yesterday.

to a report that Japanese parachuted, the spokesman said that naval airmen are not equipped with parachutes. They are determined to share the fate of their machines, for which they. are personally responsible to the Emperor. A Japanese warrior, lie added, considers being taken prisoner the greatest disgrace possible. >

On the contrary, Army flyers can return from behind the lines. They are equipped with parachutes, hara-kiri daggers and a revolver.

PROTEST FROM U.S.A.

JAP. SOLDIERS' ACTIONS,

(Received 1.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 1. The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, strongly, protested to Japan against the continued interference in China with American nationals and their property by Japanese soldiers.