SEA BLOCKADE DENIED

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 239, 4 July 1940, Page 10

SEA BLOCKADE DENIED

Position Of Hong - Kong CLAIM OF BRITISH-U.S. ENCIRCLEMENT (Received July 4, 12.30 a.m.)

LONDON, July 3.

A message from Hong Kong says that the Japanese Consul-General revealed that the British Consul-General in Canton, Mr. A. P. Biting, is negotiating with the Japanese authorities to lift the restrictions on imports of foodstuffs to Hong Kong from Canton. The Japanese, he .said, were not blockading Hong Kong, but were merely severing the communications with the interior since foodstuffs could be imported to Hong Kong if special permits were obtained. He added there was no question of a sea blockade. Tokio reports that the military organ “Kikumin” stated that reliable information had been received that the United States was behind Britain’s stiff attitude to Japan’s demand for elimination of her assistance to the Chungking Government. An AngloAmerican secret large-scale naval agreement regarding the Pacific was about to be concluded, permitting eaeli other’s navies to use Cavite (Philippine Islands port). Singapore,' Port Darwin. Honolulu, and Dutch Harbour, and also putting Hong Kong under American control.

The journal said that the purpose was to form a “horseshoe encirclement” of Japan on the Pacific.

EVACUEES ARRIVE IN PHILIPPINES

(Received July 4, 12.30 a.m.)

MONTREAL, July 3.

Manila has advised of the arrival of 16-10 British women and children from Hong Kong and also of the liner President Coolidge carrying American evacuees.