USE OF GUNS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22917, 21 December 1937, Page 13

USE OF GUNS

DENIAL WITHDBAWN

PUNISHMENT OF OFFENDER PROTECTION IN POLITICS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received December 20, 7.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 20 A message from Tokio says the Japanese Foreign Office spokesman recanted the denial that the Japanese machine-gunned the Panay after the bombing, but he added that it was still uncertain whether the Panay or the Japanese fired first. The Shanghai representative of the New York Times states that Colonel Hash inioto personally ordered the motor launches to lire at the Pana.v, and that he is using his political strength to prevent himself from being punished. As a result a grim battle is taking place within the Japanese Army high command. Officers are wondering whether General Matsui dare punish Colonel Hashimoto, who was the prime mover in the military c o,I P in Tokio on February 26, 1936. Apprehension is mounting in Army and Government circles that, if Colonel Hashimoto is not punished equally with Rear-Admiral Mitsunami, chief of air operations, all foreign Governments will feel that the heads of the Japanese Army are no longer responsible and will follow President Koosevelt's example and address all their protests to the Emperor.

CAUSES OF INCIDENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINS DIFFICULTIES OF AIRMEN FURTHER STATEMENT LATER (Received Dscember 20, 11.55 p.m.) TOKIO, Dec. 20 The Foreign Office spokesman, Mr. T. Kawai, stated that the recall of Rear-Admiral Mitsunami, commander of air operations, as a result of the Panay bombing, was considered the severest moral punishment that could be inflicted on a Japanese officer. Mr. Kawai said the accident was owing to the Japanese airmen not knowing that the Panay had moved up-stream, lack of proper communication, and poor visibility owing to the smoke from the Nanking conflagration. He admitted that soldiers from a Japanese Army boat fired upon and boarded the Panay after the bombing, but said he hoped to explain the circumstances in a further statement.

JAPANESE SYMPATHY FEELING FOR POWERS LEADING JOURNAL'S OPINION LONDON, Dec. 19 Britain aiid America are entreated to show magnanimity and to appreciate the sincere feelings of the Japanese by the journal Nichi Nichi Shimbun, which says, in an editorial article: — "There is a rising tide of sincere and sympathetic feeling on the part of the Japanese people with foreign Powers in connection with the unfortunate incidents."

WOUNDED MAN DIES TOTAL NOW OF FOUR LONDON, Dec. 19 Despatches state that the coxswain of the Panay has died from wounds suffered in the sinking of the vessel. He makes the fourth victim of the Japanese attack.

FOREIGNERS AT CANTON EVACUATION WARNING ■■ , i FRENCH GUNS IN ACTION (Received December 20, 10 p.m.) HONGKONG, Dec. 20 All foreigners have been warned to prepare to evacuate Canton at a moment's notice. French anti-aircraft guns in the Canton Concession fired on Japanese aeroplanes which dropped bombs near the Concession.

REFERENDUM ON WAR PRESIDENT'S DISFAVOUR UNITED STATES SUGGESTION WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 Much interest continues to be concentrated on the proposed amendment to the Constitution, suggested by Mr. L. Ludlow in the House of Representatives, regarding a referendum before declaration of war. President Roosevelt, at a press conference, when asked whether he thought a national referendum on war was consistent with a representative form of Government, uttered an emphatic "No," but declined further comment. B Mr. W. F. Allen, in the House of Representatives, introduced a resolution to appropriate 600,000 dollars to evacuate Americans from China. Ho said 6000 nationals still remain and are unable to leave for financial reasons.

RED CROSS FLAG ALLEGATIONS OF MISUSE Times Cable LONDON, Dec. 19 The Shanghai correspondent of the Times states that Rear-Admiral Holt on Friday, after rescuing the survivors from the Panay in the pitch dark, spent a day inducing the Japanese to withdraw launches filled with armed soldiers and flying Red Cross flags, which were exchanging shots with Chinese.