Japan Explains

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 125, 10 May 1928, Page 5

Japan Explains

Shantung Occupation Disclaimed

Denial of Interference With Southerners

Further Advance Across Yellow River

[United Press Assn.—By Cable—Copyright.] [Australian and N.Z. Press Assn.]

(Received io, 10.5 a.m.) Tokio, May g.

The Japanese Government is issuing a statement today. It was verbally communicated last night to the Tokio representatives of the foreign Powers, explaining the reasons for the despatch of troops and disclaiming any intention of the occupation of Shantung.

The statement declares that the steps taken are solely for the protection of residents, maintaining communications, and guarding the railway, which will continue to be controlled by Chinese officials, and may be useJ bv the Southerners peaceably. The statement emphasises noninterference in the movement of the Southerners. It is officially reported that the Southerner., are crossing the Yellow River towards Tenchow. where the arsenal is the objective. It is stated that the women and children from Tsinan have safely arrived at Tsingtao. Th e accusation that the Japanese kZled Commissioner Tsai is denied. Actually Tsai was a refugee in a specie bank under the protection of Japanese troops during an attack. BRITISH IN TSINAN. NO LOSS OF LIFE. [British Official Wireless.) (Received 10, 10.50 a.m.) Rugby, Mav 91 Sir Austen Chamberlain, answering questions in the House of Commons,

said that British subjects in Tsinan were warned on or before April 20 to remove to a place of safety. Warships had been sent to the neighbouring ports. Reports so far received did not indicate that there had been any loss of British lives or any destruction of British property. JAPANESE REINFORCEMENTS DESPATCHED. [Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) Tokio, May 9. Consular officials and other foreigners. numbering 70. have evacuated Tsinan by international train to Tsingtao. The greatest military council since 1915 decided on the immediate despatch of th© third Nagoya Division (15,000) and a railway and telegraph corps totalling 18,000. to guard the entire Shantung railway. The navy is assuming responsibility for the guarding of tho coast and is also patrolling the Yangtzse Valiev for the protection of Japanese and foreign residents.