JAPANESE ADMIRAL

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 72, 18 December 1937, Page 9

JAPANESE ADMIRAL

Persuaded, ‘With Difficulty,’ From Resigning FURTHER APOLOGIES By Telegraph.—Press. Assn.—Copyright. (Received December 17, 6.55 p.m.) London, December 17. The Tokio correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that his superior naval officers, with difficulty, persuaded Vice-Admiral Hasegawa, the Japanese naval commander in China, from resigning in order to assume full personal responsibility for the bombing jpcident. The Navy Office announces that the Japanese navy, voluntarily and without reference to the United States, will fire a formal salute at Shanghai in honour of those killed in the bombing of the Panay.

Further Japanese apologies include that conveyed by Mr. Okamnra, tlie Embassy Secretary, who flew to Wuhu and apologised to the commander of the American gunboat Oahu for the sinking of the Panay, and apologised to the'commander of H.M.S. Bee for firing on the Ladybird. A source in close touch with the Japanese Foreign Office indicates that no difficulty is. anticipated in complying with the American Note. The Minister for the Navy, Admiral Yonai, in apologising for the bombing of the Panay, expresses heartfelt, appreciation of the calmness of the United States naval authorities on the spot, and the hope that the occurrence, though grievous, will be a step toward understanding between America and Japan. Administration officials in New York are very gratified by reports from Shanghai that the Japanese navy has recalled Rear-Admiral Teizo Mitsunami, Chief of Aerial Operations. It is understood that his being relieved of his post is considered to b*?k up the Japanese Government’s promise to deal adequately with officials responsible for the Panay incident. ■