JAPANESE CAUSE ALARM IN SHANGHAI

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22268, 6 December 1937, Page 9

JAPANESE CAUSE ALARM IN SHANGHAI

Tense Incident At Entrance To French Concession

MACHINE-GUN ATTACK ON BRITISH STEAMER

Authorities Previously Notified of

Vessel’s Movements

The movements of Japanese troops in Shanghai continue to cause alarm to authorities in the International Settlement. The Japanese have already expressed dissatisfaction with the control of the anti-Japanese agitation in the French Concession and in the Settlement.

A tense situation developed on the French Bund when Japanese lorries accompanied by troops were held up by French armoured cars and refused entry, into the Concession. After prolonged negotiations, the Japanese eventually agreed to abide by the French conditions and the lorries were admitted after being boarded by French police, who escorted them through the Concession.

British comment on the “victory march” expresses surprise that the incidents were not more numerous. The march is described as “an unnecessary act of provocation” and “a gratuitous display of military pomp” designed to invite outrages.

A British steamer, the Siushan, was fired on by Japanese machine-guns as it was approaching Tungming. The purpose of the visit was to ascertain the fate of some French-Canadian missionary nuns, of whom no news had been received for three months. The attack was made notwithstanding that the Japanese authorities at Tungming had been notified of the intended visit.