APOLOGY DEMANDED

Grey River Argus, 15 December 1937, Page 9

APOLOGY DEMANDED

BY ROOSEVELT For Yangtze Bombings CONGRESS AGAINST WAR RISKS. WASHINGTON, December 13. President Roosevelt, in a personal memorandum to the Japanese Ambassador, states that he is deeply shocked and concerned at the bombings, and hopes that Japan will present a full expression of regret and pay compensation; also formulate methods guaranteeing against a repetition of such incidents. The memorandum concluded: “That all the facts were being assembled and will shortly be presented to the Japanese Government, and that in the meantime it is hoped the Japanese Government will be considering definitely for presentation to this Government a full expression of regret, and proffer of full compensation, and methods guaranteeing against a repetition of any similar attack in future.’ It is expected that there will be a prolonged discussion on the United States neutrality policy in Congress to-day, as a result of the sinking of the Panay. The indications are that the so-called Neutrality Bloc will vigorously attempt to force the tration to put the neutrality law into effect. M. Saito (Ambassador) announced that he was calling on Mr Hull in the afternoon to offer the most profound apologies. The State Department disclosed that the Ambassador at Tokio had been personally called on by M. Hirota, who expressed profound regrets. Mr Roosevelt’s announcement to the nation says: “The President is deeply shocked and concerned at the news of the indiscriminate bombing of American and other non-Chinese vessels in the Yangtse, and he requests the Emperor to be so advised.” However, it is emphasised that the United States is determined not to permit a ready smoothing off of the situation. It is indicated that the United States and Britain are working in close_understanding.