VIRTUALLY ON WAR FOOTING

Evening Star, Issue 23354, 25 August 1939, Page 10

VIRTUALLY ON WAR FOOTING

BRITISH RESIDENTS IN HONGKONG FACING COMPLETE JAPANESE BLOCKADE MAGNIFICENT RESPONSE FROM VOLUNTEERS Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright HONGKONG, August 24. The British colony is virtually on a wartime footing in face of a complete Japanese blockade. The Government has appealed to all British subjects over 41 to enrol in the air raid precautions fighting forces and the civilian defence services. The response has been magnificent, and actual mobilisation of them is the only additional step necessary. British women and children have been advised to leave the border towns. The steps taken are precautionary, due to the European situation, not to fear of Japanese action. LEAVE FOR TROOPS CANCELLED RIOTS IN SHANGHAI. SHANGHAI, August 24. All leave for British troops has been cancelled. It is reported that over 10,000 Japanese troops have arrived in the Shanghai area. Riots have occurred because of the high cost of rice, resulting from the currency collapse. Many persons have been arrested.

TIENTSIN FLOODS WORSE MARTIAL LAW IN ITALIAN CONCESSION. TIENTSIN, August 24. The floods have become worse, and the river lias risen 13ft above the lowest sections of the city. The Italians have declared martial law in an effort to maintain order among thousands of Chinese who are attempting to take refuge in the concession.

RESTORATION OF PEACE JAPANESE GENERAL’S APPEAL. SHANGHAI, August 24. (Received August 25, at 8 a.m.) The Japanese commander, General Yamada, interviewed, appealed to third Powers to co-operate in the earliest restoration of peace, and gave the impression that Japan was eager to deal reasonably with foreign interests. TO BE KEPT UNDER CONTROL ANTI-BRITISH MOVEMENT. , LONDON, August 24, (Received August 25, at 8 a.m.) The Shanghai correspondent of the British United Press says it is reliably stated that Japan assured Britain that the authorities had been instructed to keep the anti-British movement under control. The British admit that the situation has improved. The Shanghai correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says it is estimated that 6,000 Japanese landed in the Shanghai area. The nature of the intended action is not disclosed. The occupation of the International Settlement was suggested, but the Japanese stayed their hand due to the dilemma in which they stand under the IRusso-German agreement.