ALLEGED ESPIONAGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21983, 14 December 1934, Page 13

ALLEGED ESPIONAGE

INDIGNANT FRENCH PROTEST JAPAN ASKED FOR STATEMENT TOKIO. Dec. 12 In connection Avith the alleged espionage activities of the French assistant naval attache, Sub-Lieutenant Tessier du Cros, who was questioned recently by the police, and the arrest of Japanese women from whom it is alleged du Cros obtained naval secrets, it is stated that the disclosures are likely to develop into a "diplomatic incident."

The entire press has featured the story, embellishing it with photographs of du Cros and the women concerned. The French Ambassador, M. Pila. is indignant and has sent a Note to Mr. Koki Hirota, Japanese Foreign Minister, requesting him to make a statement of the truth of the whole matter.

The Note points out in the first place that it is intolerable that an officer of the French Embassy should be accused of espionage without strict inquiry and •without the Embassy being informed. It is contended, moreover, that the allegations of espionage are entirely false, and the Ambassador personally guarantees the correctness of du Cros' professional conduct. It is further contended that according to international usage the private life of a member of the diplomatic corps should not be made the subject of a press campaign.

MERCHANT'S DEATH

DUE TO POISONING , EVIDENCE AT SINGAPORE (Received December 13; 6.20 p.m.) SINGAPORE, Dec. 12 At the inquest to-day on the Japanese merchant, Mr. Y. Nishimura, who dropped dead while being questioned at the police office, the Government analyst's report showed that death was due to poisoning. Inspector Prithvi Chand said he asked Mr. Nishimura to call in connection with a Japanese visitor who had no passport and who said the passport was in Mr. Nishimura's possession. He had only spoken a few words when Mr. Nishimura collapsed. Nobody saw him take poison. The inquest was adjourned until December 15 for the verdict.