Japan Reimposes Blockade

Northern Advocate, 27 June 1939, Page 7

Japan Reimposes Blockade

LONDON, June 26,

In spite of her assurances to the contrary, Japan has reimposed the blockade at Swatow, and has refused to allow two British steamers to load cargo for Hongkong, says the Hongkong correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph.” The food situation at Hongkong and Kulangsu is grave.

The correspondent of “The Times” at Shanghai says the Japanese are insisting upon 24 hours’ notice before any foreign ship enters Swatow.

The British United Press correspondent at Swatow reports that the Japanese have barricaded the British wharves with babbed wire, and ships are unable to load or discharge, or to take on urgently needed supplies for Kulangsu, owing to the complete absence of Chinese labour. The local British and American consuls protested against Japanese, sentries preventing the disembarkation of passengers, and warned the Japanese consul that they intended to continue sending merchantmen to Swatow under naval escort.

The British destroyer, Thanet, and the American destroyer Pillsbury, are standing by, but H.M.S. Scout has left for Hongkong. Informed Chinese in Shanghai predict that the next Japanese move will be directed against Foochow, in the neighbourhood of which renewed Japanese naval and aerial activity is reported. This is believed to foreshadow a landing at the mouth of the Min River, which the Japanese are already patrolling.