Shanghai Defence Sector Control Problem Settled

Northern Advocate, 16 August 1940, Page 6

Shanghai Defence Sector Control Problem Settled

SHANGHAI, August 15

At a meeting which lasted for four hours the defence commanders settled the question of the future control of sectors of the International Settlement. Details have so far not been officially revealed, but it is authoritatively stated that the United States gained control of the central section, including the waterfront and the Bund, while the Japanese got the western districts. Thus it seems that the United States has saved a last wedge for the “open door” policy, upon the maintenance of which Washington insisted. It is reported that the Japanese opened the meeting by demanding all the British sectors, upon which the American representative. Mr W. R. Peck, advanced a counter-proposal. British Compromise. After a long and heated argument the British representative, BrigadeMajor B. Ashmore, suggested a compromise, to which both parties agreed. It is understood the Japanese gained the West Hongkew sector —the only British sector north of Soochow Creek. Admiral Hart, of the United States Navy, decided not to attend the conference.

He designated Mr Peck, of the United States Embassy, to act for him. Two Japanese bombers twice flew, over Admiral Hart’s yacht Isabel as the conference started.