JAPANESE DESTROYERS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12395, 15 March 1926, Page 7

JAPANESE DESTROYERS

BOMBARDED BY CHINESE OFFICERS AND MEN WOUNDED STRONG PROTEST ENTERED By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association (Received March 14, 5.5 p.m.) PEKING, March 12. While two of the four Japanese destroyers from Tangku were attempting to proceed up the river they were fired on by the Taku forts with ma-chine-guns and field batteries. Two of the ratings were wounded, and also a Japanese military officer, who was temporarily aboard, and a Japanese pilot. The destroyers decided to abandon the attempt and returned to Tangku. At present it is not clear whether they returned the fire.. The Japanese Consul-General at Tientsin is lodging a strong protest. MATTER SERIOUS Reuter’s Telegram. (Reoeived March 14, 5.5 pjo.) TOKIO, March 13. Commenting on the firing on th# Japanese destroyers, the Foreign Office spokesman said that the matter waa regarded seriously, but the Government were awaiting further details before deciding what action would be taken, but it was probable that nothing but a vigorous protest would be made, as he thought the firing wa» most likely dne to a misunderstanding.