MR. TINKLER'S FATE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 133, 8 June 1939, Page 13

MR. TINKLER'S FATE

SUMMARY ACTION

JAPANESE VIEWPOINT

TJy Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) (Received June 8, 11.10 a.m.) LONDON, June 7. Britain has protested to Tokio against the inadequate fulfilment of the Japanese undertaking in respect to the armed guard at the British mills at Pootung. Britain takes i a serious view of the death of Mr. R, ,M. Tinkler, a mill employee, who, it is confirmed, died early today from bayonet wounds. The Japanese naval spokesman at Shanghai alleges that Mr. Tinkler was involved in disorders and was disarmed by a Japanese marine. He was then surrounded by Japanese with fixed bayonets, among whom he may have come in contact with a bayonet, but it is denied that he was i wilfully stabbed.

The spokesman of the Japanese Embassy cited Mr. Tinkler's fate as an example of summary action against foreigners who trespass on Japanese rights. The spokesman added that anyone endangering the Japanese troops would be indefinitely detained or even executed. He admitted that, despite the British request that Mr. Tinkler should be immediately handed over this was done only after his death and fifteen hours after he was wounded.

The Consulate spokesman expressed surprise that Mr. Tinkler was not shot and killed on the spot after arrogantly pointing and firing a revolver at a Japanese.