TOKIO RECANTATION

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 74, 21 December 1937, Page 11

TOKIO RECANTATION

Admission That Japanese 1 Fired On Gunboat SPOKESMAN’S STATEMENT (Received December 20, 7.45 p.m.) Tokio, December 20. 'The Foreign Office Spokesman, Mr. Tatsuo Kawal, recanted his denial that Japanese forces machine-gunned the Panay after bombing it, but added that it was still uncertain whether the Panay or the Japanese fired first. BERLIN ATTITUDE “Working Up Feeling In United States” ' (Received December 20, 7.45 p.m.) London, December 20. The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says that two German newspapers, quoting Mr. C. M. McDonald’s account of the bombing and machinegunning of the Panay, suggest that it was printed for the purpose of working up feeling in the United States and creating a new wave of emotion which will result in the British and American fleets making a demonstration against Japan. The Shanghai correspondent of “The Times” reveals that Rear-Admiral Holt, after rescuing the crew of the Panay in the pitch dark, spent the day inducing the Japanese to withdraw launches, which were filled with armed soldiers flying Red Cross flags and exchanging shots with the Chinese. A message from Shanghai states that Coxswain Hulsebus died from a wound received at the sinking of the Panay, making the fourth victim. From Hankow it is reported that the Yangtze is closed belo.w Kitikang by a fresh Chinese boom, bottling up English and American gunboats and merchantmen. ROOSEVELT’S ACTION Larger Naval Programme Likely

(Received December 20, 8.10 p.m.) Washington, December 20. It is understood that President Roosevelt is recommending Congress to approve 576,000,000 dollar naval programme, which is 50,000,000 dollars in excess of previous appropriations. It includes provision for two super dreadnoughts and 20 smaller craft. CAPTAIN WARNED “Interference” By British Warship Hong-Kong, December 19. It is disclosed that H.M.S. Ladybird, when near Nanking, on December 16, saw a, Japanese motor-boat collide with a sampan, and throw two Chinese occupants into the water. A second motorboat fired on them, wounding one. The Ladybird lowered a boat and rescued both.

The Japanese then told the captain that they would not be responsible for the conseouences if such interference continued.