DARING STEP

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 176, 25 June 1938, Page 11

DARING STEP

EXTRA-TERRITORIAL RIGHTS. ABOLITION BY, JAPAN. IN OCCUPIED CHINA. (United Pres 3 Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) . Received June 25, 10.55 a.m. LONDON, June 24. A Shanghai message says the Japanese have abolished the extraterritorial rights of the occupied areas. The Australian Press Association says the British Government is awaiting confirmation of Japan’s reported abolition of extra-terri-torial rights, which, if true, is regarded as most serious, resulting in an immediate consultation of the interested Powers with a simultaneous intimation to Tokio that Britain reserves the right to take what steps are necessary. The other Powers affected would be Franco, Italy, Belgium, America, and Holland. THE PRESENT CONDITIONS. RIGHTS OF OTHER POWERS. Extra-territoriality is a term for the immunities enjoyed by certain persons, properties or places from the jurisdiction of the State in which they are situated. Diplomatic agents representing heads of States enjoy these immunities, which are also extended, so far as they are applicable, to members of their families and persons in their fixed service. They are also exempt from taxation and from Customs duties on articles for their personal use. The residence of a diplomatic agent and it’s precincts are exempt from the local jurisdiction so far only as to secure the free exercise of his functions. Thus, where the safety of the State or public order is involved, entry may be made by the local authorities, papers may be searched and persons arrested, whether they are the Minister himself, or members of his 6ta£f or_ retinue, or political refugees or criminals. But where the local sovereignty is in abeyance or unable to act owing to local disturbances or civil war, legations, etc., may grant'asylum. In 6omo non-Christian countries, e.g., Turkey, Eowpt, Morocco, Muscat, Persia, China, Korea and Siam, communities were, and in some cases still are, established ot persons who. whilst resident ill certain areas, are deemed for the purposes of civil and criminal jurisdiction to he extra-territorial and subject only to their respective national laws administered by their respective consuls or. other authorities appointed by their respective Governments. Such communities have been established by capitulations or treaties. In such communities the consulates are regarded as extra-territorial and the consuls themselves enjoy _ diplomatic immunities. Public vessels in the ports or territorial waters of a friendly Power, tlio crew and persons on board, a.nd all the property thereon are also exempt from local jurisdiction. Private vessels are, however, not exempt, and legal processes may be served and arrests effected on board.. Persons born on board a British vessel wherever situated or in an extraterritorial community aro jiatural-born British subjects. Aii instance of immunity is that granted to the Pope by the Italian law of Papal Guarantees, 1871. If the step above reported has been taken by Japan the repercussions will be far-reaching, since she is assuming complete control of the territorv occupied by her and immunity for the other Powers’ property will cease. FLOOD WATERS SPREAD. FRENCH WATCH JAPANESE. HONG KONG, June 24. The Yellow River flood waters have entered the Slia River, a tributary of the Hwai River, east-westward be : tween the Yangtse and the Lunghai railway. Japanese warships are concentrating at Hoiliow, causing apprehension as to an invasion of Hainan, and the French authorities are watching closely. Ten French warships are standing byOther reports state that a minor attempt to make a landing at Hainan was repulsed. One hundred Japanese sailors and marines were killed .when a Japanese launch struck a Chinese mine above Anking. THREAT "To HANKOW. 6000 JAPANESE LAND. Received June 25, 10.55 a.m. SHANGHAI, June 24. A new threat to Hankow has been made as a result of tlje landing of 6000 Japanese on the south bank of the Yangtse River near Tungliu, east of the Matang boom. Heavy fighting continues. The Chinese claim that bombers set fire to three warships near Tungliu. MINELAYER WRECKED. BY JAPANESE BOMBERS. Received Juno 25, 10.40 a.m. TOKIO. June 24. Japanese bombers to-day damaged and caused the stranding of a Chinese minelayer above Anking. APPEAL ~FOR FUNDS. RELIEF OF CHINESE ORPHANS. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 24. Plans for tile organisation on a Dominion-wide scale of an appeal for funds to “adopt” Chinese refugee children by providing £4 a year for their upkeep, were discussed at a meeting of citizens and representatives of interested organisations to-night. It was agreed that a council be set up consisting of tliose present and representatives of contributory organisations, with power to co-opt. Hon. W. E. Barnard (Sneaker of the House of Representatives) was appointed chairman. Dr Sylvia Chapman vice-chairman, Miss M. F.. Magill hon. secretary, pro tern, and Mr F. W. Furkert lion, treasurer, pro tern. An executive of six was decided on.