APOLOGY FROM EMPEROR

Grey River Argus, 15 December 1937, Page 9

APOLOGY FROM EMPEROR

What Roosevelt Wants OR FURTHER ACTION MAY FOLLOW. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received December 14, 11.35 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 14. “High Administration circles indicated that only an apology from Emperor Hirohito of Japan for the Panay bombing, coupled with assurances that the Japanese Government would take effective measures guaranteeing against a repetition of a similar incident in future, will. satisfy President Roosevelt,” says the United Press Washington correspondent in a copyright message. “Such an apology would be designed to halt what the United States Government have come to regard as a travesty of world peace,' illustrated by the facility with which | the Japanese Government and military leaders apologise and express re-1 grets for repeated outrages, and then j proceed to new similar and graver incidents. Officials emphasised that, while it was too early to discuss what further action the United States Gov- 1 eminent might take in the event of President Roosevelt’s demands not being satisfied, there were several measures—all short of war—through which it would be possible to injure the finances, trade, and prestige of the Japanese Government. 'Meanwhile, the best-informed circles consider Mr Roosevelt has given the Japanese militarists a bitter pill to swallow by pointing out that he demands an apology from Emperor Hirohito. It is believed that this would involve the Japanese General Staff and High Naval Command in the greatest loss of face which Japan will have suffered since she became one of the dominant Powers, because it would draw the sacred personage of the Emperor into world affairs, and compel him to apologise for the acts of his military and naval forces.” The correspondent adds: “In addition, the threat of further American action is considered all the more serious on account of Governmental and public ire in Britain over the attack on British warships. It is believed that the British Government would support any action of the United States Government, or would act along parallel lines.” Compensation Expected NEW YORK PAPER’S COMMENT. FUTURE GUARANTEES NOT RELIABLE. (Received December 14, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 13. The “New York Times,” in an editorial, states: The Japanese Government has accepted the full responsibility for the unwarranted attack. Under the circumstances, no other course was possible. The attacking aeroplanes clearly failed to establish accurately the identity of four ships before loosing bombs. The Japanese have apologised, as the United States requested. The United States has also asked for compensation for the loss incurred, and doubtless this will be forthcoming. But what reply can be made to the other demand, presented by the State Department in a note to Tokio, namely, an insistence on a guarantee that there shall be no repetition of such an incident? The ' plain fact of the matter is that, while the Japanese Army remains in China, such guarantees are not worth the paper on which they are written. There is bound to be a case when the Japanese will mistake the identity of Victims. The Japanese Government can no more give a convincing assurance that foreigners will be safe from the consequences of its aggression than a burglar can guarantee that innocent bystanders will not be shot when he sets out to loot a house. The <nnlv really valid guarantee which japan can give would be the with-

drawal of the invading army from the soil of China, and the liquidation of this Imperialist adventure. Meantime, our Government is entitled to receive from citizens a sympathetic, understanding of the problems. It is easy for Congressmen to propose that the American gunboats shall be withdrawn entirely from Chinese waters, leaving American merchant ships anti nationals to their own devices. U.S.A. NEUTRALITY ACT OPPOSED ROOSEVELT'S POLICY SUPPORTED. (Received December 14, 8.45 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 14. The "New York Times” in its editorial, continues: “But not even cravenly the Neutrality Act goes so far as to lay down the theory that American ships should be forbidden to carry on wholly peaceful trade, on that ArnerD can nationals going to the Orient as merchants, diplomats, or missionaries should thereby forfeit the protecting interest of their Government. The Roosevelt Administration is attempt- | ing three difficult things simultaneously in China, namely, to protect the ■ legitimate interests of American nationals, to avoid being drawn into a war that is not of our making, and to ' exert its influence on behalf of an i early" and honourable settlement. In ! pursuit of these objectives, the Ad- | ministration deserves understanding I and support.”

JAPANESE MILITARY SPIRIT. ALLEGED CONTEMPT FOR FOREIGNERS. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received December 14,-8-30 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 13. Under the heading “Idle Tears in Tokio,” the “New York Herald-Tri-'VuneV says! “The bombings are a serious incident, which the Japanese will have to take very seriously indeed, in order to satisfy American public opinion. It was not an isolated affair, however. The bombing of the Panay could not have been a mistake in any ordinary sense of the word. These assaults," culminating in deliberate attacks on neutral shipping, have undoubtedly been inspired by propaganda within Japan’s armed forces, which has the tacit approval of their general officers. Japanese military folk in the field have become contemptuous of the rights of Occidentals in China, and there is among them a craving to express that contempt with high explosives. Tokio promises to discipline the responsible airmen. If the authorities shot, them all, it would not deter others from emulating their example. They would be martyrs. What this country has a right to demand is that the highest responsible officers should be recalled and disciplined, with full and honest publicity, throughout Japan. If it transpires that Tokio cannot, or dare not, try to do this, then there is no further point in having formal diplomatic relations with such a Government.

“The Japanese Navy have expressed the most profound regret for the terrible mistake, and it seems that the apology should be accepted. While we have vessels and marines in China, we are risking these episodes. The best thing to do in regard to the Panay is to keep our shirts on.”

YOUNGER JAPANESE OFFICERS. BLAMED FOR ATTACKS ON FOREIGNERS. (Received December 14, 10.40 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 14. “It is understood that the United States Navy’s attitude will be that a Japanese campaign of attacking foreign gunboats is indefensible, because Japanese have been boasting that they had sunk every Chinese gunboat on the Yangtse,” says the Shanghai correspondent of the “New York Times.” He adds: “Admiral Hasegawa has stated that he is prepared to accept ‘the fullest personal responsibility, probably implying his willingness to resign, and perhaps even commit hara kiri, if an investigation proves, what has long been suspected in foreign military circles, that younger Japanese Navy and Army officers are completely out of hand, and are defying discipline.” Sinking of the "Panay” CASUALTIES UNCERTAIN. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, December; 13. There were 73 persons aboard the Panay, 16 of whom are known to have been killed, and many are wounded and missing. Fifteen of the 54 survivors from the Panay are wounded, some seriously, and 18 are missing. They are believed to have been drowned or killed by the bombing. H.M.S. Bee picked up four members of the Panay’s personnel on the bank of the Yangtse-kiang. They said that others were along the bank hoping to bp picked up bv foreign vessels. LATER. Only five from the Panay are not accounted for. Later advices indicated that only nine Americans aboard were definitely accounted for. Others estimated at 65 or 70 may have reached places of safety. The Bee is reported to have only picked up seven, and it said two others are safe,ashore. Reports that 45 survivors reached Hohsien safely are not confirmed. - later All the crew of the Panay are safe, except a seaman, who was killed. Mr Yarnell wirelessed that five aboard the Panay are still unaccounted for. The survivors from the Panay include four members of the Embassy. American newspapermen used the Panay as a floating wireless station, from which they sent despatches. The Panay served as a floating Embassy, and had four Embassy officials aboard. The only Briton was M. MacDonald, representing the London “Times.” . . n j The Panay could easily be identified from the air, because she had the Stars and Stripes printed in several places. OIL TANKER VICTIMS. 96 DEATHS REPORTED. NEW YORK, December 13. The United Press states that the Standard Oil Company has received private advice that 96 were killed in the bombings of the company’s three oil tankers. The Meian was beached. The Meihsia was later burning at Kaiyuan

wharf. There was no trace of the Chinese crews.

The Meihsia, Meiping, and Meian each carried 27 Chinese, also refugees. It is feared that the loss of life is heavy. The Standard Oil Company, on December 10, notified the Japanese of the concentration of seventeen of their ships near Wuhu, and asked that steps be taken to ensure their safety. D. S. Doldie, the British superintendent of the Oil Company’s installation at Wuhu, was aboard the Meihsia, and two American officials were aboard the Meiping. Their fate is unknown. The dead on the Standard Oil lighters include the American captain. The remainder were Chinese. It is not known how many were aboard the oil tankers, which were commanded respectively by an American, an Esthonian, and a Norwegian, or what happened after the sinking of the vessels. PANAY DID NOT COURT ATTACK. (Received December 14, .8.45 p.m.) WASHINGTON, December 13. President Roosevelt’s secretary has announced the receipt of official information concerning the Panay from the war zone. At the time of the bombing, the vessel’s position had been chosen with a view to avoiding becoming a target for either side. AMERICAN CAMERA MAN. ARRESTED AND FILMS SEIZED AT NANKING. (Received December 14, 8.40 p.m.) SHANGHAI, December 14. An American, Arthur Menken, a newsreel man, has been detained by the Japanese at Nanking. His camera and films of the Nanking siege have been seized. The ' American authorities have demanded his release. Feeling in America PUBLIC INDIGNATION. NEW YORK, December 13. Marked by evidences of public anger and official determination to call up all possible popular support to strengthen the President’s hand, and the plain unwillingness to accept at face value the voluntarily presented Japanese apologies, the first twentyfour hours after the bombing drew to a close with American sentiment stirred in a manner reminiscent of that after the sinking of the Lusitania. ACT OF WAR ? (Received December 14, 10.40 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 14. The “Manila Daily Bulletin,” which is an American-owned journal, in a leading article, described the Panay bombing as a hostile act. It says: “Diplomats can call it what they please, but the cold fact is that when armed forces, under different flags, fire at each other, that is war.” ‘SENATORS’ COMMENTS. WASHINGTON, December 13. Members of Congress have not spared comment on the Yangtse incidents. Senator Pittman said: “It is evident) that, this series of accidents to neutrals and neutral vessels is becoming intolerable. It is little satisfaction to have the Japanese Government on each such occasion express regret. It is. the practice of the Japanese Government to grand broad discretionary power to army and navy officers serving in the field. Some high Japanese officers are responsible for such outrages. The names of these officers should be determined, and they should be punished. Only such punishment would demonstrate good faith on the part of Japan, and tend to end the series of violation of international law. The Japanese Government, subjects itself to the reasonable suspicion that such Incidents are deliberate, and have for their purpose the frightening of nationals of neutral countries, so they will demand of their Governments the withdrawal of all representatives and nationals in China.” Senator Reynolds assailed Britain with trying to get the United State's to “pull the chestnuts out of the fire from China,” and has demanded the immediate withdrawal of all naval forces and troops from the Orient. Senator Borah demanded information whether the Panay was removing refugees, or patrolling the Standard oil tankers on the Yangtse, despite Mr Yarnell’s message. NO SENATOR FOR WAR. WASHINGTON, December 13. Congress debated the matter. The debate was heated, but any war spirit was conspicuously absent. Senator Ashurst predicted that not a single Senator would vote for war in the Orient under any conditions. Senator Thomas said: “If Japan has accepted the responsibility and has apologised, there is no more that the United States can do. You cannot go to war against a nation that admits it was wrong.” There is no indication in Administration circles that any measures are being considered such as the sending of naval reinforcements to China, or declaring that a state of war exists between China and Japan for the purpose of invoking the Neutrality Act. NOT SPAIN THIS TIME I (Received December 14, 8.45 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 13. “The situation is reminiscent of the sinking of the Maine at Havana in 1898,” commented the “New York Times,” “but an important difference is that Japan has promptly accepted the responsibility for the Panay’s sinking, which Spain in 1898 refused to do, and, unlike 1898. the American public is not inflamed." Japanese Explanation SHIPS MISTAKEN FOR CHINESE. SHANGHAI, December 13. The Japanese naval authorities here announce that they are prepared to punish those responsible for bombing the Panay. The Japanese Army spokesman says that the airmen concerned in the bombings reported that they had hit Chinese warships. When they learned that the ships were American, they were extremely contrite, It Is reported that four flights of bombers, each consisting of fifteen planes, participated In the bombing. The planes made four attacks, at intervals of five minutesThe Japanese have agreed to regard Hohsien as a neutral zone during

the presence -of the Panay survivors. A Japanese mine-sweeper is speeding to Hohsien to aid the Panay survivors. The Oahu, a sister-ship of the Panay, is on her way to Hohsien. H.M.S., Bee arrived there, and found a launch from the Panay stuck dn the mud. A Japanese communique gives the following account of the bombing:— “Acting on information to the effect that Chinese troops were fleeing from Nanking by steamers, the Naval Air Force proceeded to bomb them. Mistaking the three Standard Oil vessels for Chinese steamers, the aircraft bombed them, and in the course of the operations the Panay, which was alongside the steamers, was sunk.” Admiral Hasegawa, immediately after receiving the news, took a pinnace from the Idzumo to the British escort vessel, Folkestone. He expressed the deepest regret to Captain Dundas, and promised that his Government would consider reparations. A Japanese naval communique refers to the incident as most unfortunate, and it is very deeply ..regretted. M. Hirota apologised, in Tokio, to the United States Ambassador. Colonel Hashimoto, commanding the Wuhu area, has informed the British authorities that shipping must not move anywhere in the Yangtse during the next, three days. Ships disobeying will be fired on. BRITISH GOVERNMENT. CONFERS WITH AMERICANS. LONDON, December 13. A sensation was caused by the news of the bombing and sinking of the Panay, following the Japanese artillery attacks on H.M.S. Ladybird and H.M.S. Bee. The British and American Governments view the situation with the gravest concern. Mr Eden divulged, in the Commons, after a question by Mr Attlee, that the British and United States Governments were conferring, regarding the attacks on ships in China. After detailing the occurrences and pointing out that the Japanese had apologised and promised a full inquiry, Mr Eden requested members not "to ask further questions at the present stage in view of the gravity of the situation.

Mr Eden, answering a private notice question in the Commons, said that several attacks had been made by Japanese forces on foreign shipping, including His Majesty’s ships on the Yangtse River. He outlined the happenings in connection with the attacks on British merchant shipping, when the Cricket and the Scarab opened fire, and also the bombardment of H.M.S. Ladybird and Bee. The senior naval officer had landed and made strong protests to the senior Japanese military officer, who stated that the firing on the warships was a mistake, but that he had orders to fire on every ship on the river. The Japanese civil, military, and naval authorities in Shanghai were immediately informed, and they had undertaken to warn Japanese forces in the field. Meanwhile, the British Ambassador in Tokio had made the strongest protest to the Minister of - Foreign Affairs, who promised an immediate inquiry. Mr Eden conferred with the Prime Minister to-day.

The latest developments were discussed when the United States Charge d’Affaires visited the Foreign Office. The Japanese Foreign Minister called on the British Ambassador at Tokio this morning, and expressed the deep regret of the Japanese Government at the firing on the British vessels on the Yangtse River, and the loss of life and injury caused. Asked if he had information as to the German Ambassador in China fering his services as. peace mediator between the Chinese and Japanese Governments, Mr Eden replied:—“l understand from the German and Japanese Governments that the German Ambassador has not been charged with such a mission.” British Demand FOR JAPANESE HOSTAGES. HANKOW, December 13. The British demanded that six Japanese officers be placed aboard the Bee as hostages. Rear-Admiral Reginald Holt, commanding the British Naval Forces on the Yangtse-kiang, conveyed this request to Wuhu before the Bee left for Hohsien to aid the survivors of the Panay. He also asked that the Japanese would not fire on the Bee from the riverbank. One of the shells scored a direct hit on the stokers’ mess on the Ladybird. Others hit the foredeck and the breach of a six-inch gun. Another damaged the bathrooms and wireless equipment. [British Official Wireless]. RUGBY, December 13. Further details in connection with the Japanese firing on the British gunboat Ladybird, which was at anchor off Wuhu, show that the Ladybird was just getting under way to take officers to protest against the previous bombardment by the Japanese with ma-chine-guns and artillery of the tug Tsintah, which was carrying Mr Brune Fraser and Flag-Captain O’Donnell, when a Japanese field gun battery opened fire on her. When the gunboat H.M.S. Bee arrived on the scene, fire was also opened on her. One shell fired by the battery at 400 yards range passed over the Bee, but further firing was stopped by Captain O’Donnell and Mr Fraser making a vigorous protetst to the Japanese commanders. During the afternoon, British vessels lying off Hisapanshen, 20 miles up the river from Nanking, in concentration areas supposed to be immune from hostilities, were subjected to dive-bombing. A report from Shanghai says that the Japanese Commander, Admiral Hasegawa, visited H.M.S. Folkstone there, and expressed to the senior British naval officer his deepest regrets for the attack on the British gunboats, promising that his Government would consider reparations.

The-British and American Ambassadors in Tokio called on the Japanese Foreign Minister, it is understood, with regard to the Yangtse incidents.