Jap. Policy Causing Fear In International Settlement

Northern Advocate, 27 November 1937, Page 5

Jap. Policy Causing Fear In International Settlement

(Received 1.30 p.m.)

LONDON. November 2G A PPREHENSION IS GROWING AT SHANGHAI AFTER A PERSISTENT, 'THOUGH UNCONFIRMED, RUMOUR THAT JAPAN WILL OCCUPY THE ENTIRE INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENT ON DECEMBER I. Japanese continue to press their rights to enter the settlement from south of Soochow Creek. Troops seized a pontoon dock opposite the Bund used by Jardine and Metheson, the largest British firm in the Far East, and hoisted the Japanese flag.

It is semi-officially stated that the Japanese are taking over the postal and wireless offices tomorrow. Customs appraisers have been assigned duties on the wharves south of Soo chow Creek.

Britain’s Attitude.

Replying to questions in the House of Commons, Viscount Cranborne, according to a British official wireless message, said that he understood the council of the International Settlement at Shanghai was being pressed by Japanese authorities' to take'action, in matters such as suspension of broadcasting and other Chinese activities, closing the Chinese Government offices and the removal of officials, and suppression of Chinese, press and postal censorships.

Britain had not been consulted as to the course to be pursued by the British members of the municipal authority. It was not within the council’s power to deport people by legal process, and he had no information that the council had removed any Chinese officials.

The authority of the municipal administration was derived from land regulations by which the powers to keep good order and government of the settlement were delegated to it by China. The precise extent of those powers was a matter for interpretation which was in the first place the council’s responsibility.

He did not think it would be proper for him to assume such interpretation in advance of the council.