“INTOLERABLE SITUATION.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 230, 28 August 1937, Page 9

“INTOLERABLE SITUATION.”

AAIBASSADORS ARE SACROSANCT. LONDON, Aug. 27. The Times, in a leading article on the incident in China yesterday in which the British Ambassador to Nanking, Sir Hughe Knatchbull-Hugessen, was wounded when the motor-car in which he was travelling from Nanking to Shanghai was machine-gunned and bombed by Japanese aeroplanes, declares that the outrage is unparalleled. “The claim that it -was accidental does not acquit the Japanese Government from responsibility,” the Times says. “Apologies will lie insufficient reparation. 'l'he status of Ambassador is sacrosanct and nothing excuses its violation. The outrage serves to underline the implications of an intolerable situation. The British Government is assured of the strongest public support in whatever appropriate action is taken.” . A message from Tokio says that the Japanese Foreign Minister, Air K. Hirota, has given instructions for Japan’s sympathy to be conveyed to the Ambassador’s relatives. The Foreign Office spokesman, Air Tatsuo Tvawai, said it was unthinkable that Japanese aeroplanes would intentionally fire on the ear. The Shanghai correspondent of the Times says that the Japanese seemingly believed that the Chinese leader. Marshal Cliiang Kai-shek, intended to travel to Shanghai and so orders were issued to attack all ears on the road, despite the fact that there were no Chinese troops for miles around. A bulletin states that Sir Hughe spent a reasonably satisfactory night. He was definitely more restful this morning, and the doctors are satisfied with his condition.