THE BLOCKADE IN SOUTH CHINA

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22765, 18 July 1939, Page 9

THE BLOCKADE IN SOUTH CHINA

REPORTED INTENTION OF JAPANESE ANTI-BRITISH RIOTING CONTINUED (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (Received July 18, 1.10 a.m.) SHANGHAI. July 17. Vice-Admiral Kondo, the Japanese commander in South China waters, stated that he expected that the extension of the blockade to Hingkwa and Swabue might affect the outlook. Officials at Kulangsu believe the move is intended further to reduce Kulangsu’s food supplies and might affect the supplies for Hong Kong and Tsingtao. It is reported from Hong Kong that the British, American, and French Embassies rejected a Japanese demand for the right to blockade Tungshan, Chaonhesin, and Chuachowfu. The blockade began •yesterday, the Japanese enclosing the harbours with mines and booms. The Embassies informed the Japanese naval authorities that they would hold them responsible for the protection of the lives and property of foreign subjects. The British escort vessel Falmouth has arrived at Shanghai. The entire Chinese staff of the British Embassy has resigned as a result of Japanese intimidation. Rear-Admiral Murray has arrived at Tsingtao, aboard the cruiser Cornwall. Strong detachments of Japanese marines are guarding the British Consulate and business houses as a result of recent bomb- , ings.

The Tokyo correspondent of “The Times” states that the anti-British manifestations in the city have ceased as suddenly as they begun. The Embassy gates are wide open, peaceful conditions coinciding with the initiation of the talks between Sir Robert Craigie and Mr Arita. On the contrary, hostile demonstrations in other parts of Japan, Manchukuo, and China were unabated during the week-end. A sniper .in Tientsin fatally wounded Private Tomlinson, of the Durham Light Infantry. It is officially announced in Tokyo that the Japanese naval authorities in Shanghai have apologised to the captain of the British gunboat Falcon for damage sustained during a Japanese air raid on Chungking on July 6. The authorities have offered to pay compensation.