Briton Denies Insulting Jap. Army

Northern Advocate, 11 January 1938, Page 5

Briton Denies Insulting Jap. Army

*V,*ited Press Association.—By F.lectru Telo.gi aph.—CovyriohtJ (Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, January 10. Officials quarters in London have received details of the assault on two British police officers at Shanghai. It i £: disclosed that when Sergeant Turner asked a Japanese police constable to speak to the Japanese sentries about the severity being shown to Chinese peasants, the Japanese refused. Sergeant Turner said he would report the matter to the Japanese. It was then alleged that Sergeant Turner insulted the Japanese Army, but he denies that he made any offensive remarks.

Threatened With Rifles, The report states that Sergeant Turner suffered injuries, necessitating hospital treatment. Sub-Inspector Fowler and Inspector West, who tried to calm the Japanese, were themselves assaulted, and threatened with rifles by Japanese soldiers.

In his letter of protest, the British Consul-General, Mr H, Phillips, requests the Japanese Consul-General, Mr Okamoto, to endeavour to arrange for a strict inquiry into the incident, md asks for an assurance that suitable steps will be taken to prevent a recurrence. Promised tojlnvestigate. Mr Okamoto expressed concern, and promised to order a thorough investigation The Japanese Army spokesman declares that Sergeant Turner insulted the Japanese Army by interfering with the duties of a soldier, which the- Japanese troops regarded as a reflection upon the Emperor as Commander-In-Chief. The spokesman said the incident in which the French were involved on Saturday had been completely settled, although neither side had apologised. In cases of necessity, said the spokesman, the Japanese would not recognise, except in principle, the boundaries between the various forces in Shanghai. For instance, if a bombthrower fled into another section, he would be pursued.