HUNGJAO INCIDENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 36, 11 August 1937, Page 12

HUNGJAO INCIDENT

CHINESE STATEMENT

,The , following cablegram ' was received by the Chinese Consul--; from Nanking this morning:— A- Sino-Japanese incident occurred near Hungjao aerodrome, on the western outskirts of Shanghai, at about 5 p.m. yesterday, when two armed Japanese in naval uniform attempted to force an entrance into the aerodrome. Driving into the guarded zone in a motor-car, the Japanese opened fire when their car was stopped by Chinese guards. The latter did not return the fire. Turning into Monument Road, the Japanese encountered a party of Chinese militiamen who turned out upon hearing the shots. The Japanese again fired, killing one militiaman whereupon the Chinese returned the fire, killing one Japanese outright and wounding another, who fell dead after running a few yards. Lately the Chinese authorities had made repeated written protests against the Japanese naval men's attempts to spy the aerodrome, resulting in minor clashes with the Chinese guards. When informed of yesterday's incident, the Japanese landing party first denied that any officers or marines went to Hangjao, but later the Japanese casualties were identified as one naval officer and one marine. The Mayor of Shanghai immediately protested to the Japanese, who agreed that a settlement should be attempted by diplomatic means, and,discussions are now proceeding.