CHINA APPEALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23517, 3 June 1938, Page 13

CHINA APPEALS

JAPANESE BOMBINGS WHOLESALE SLAUGHTER OF CIVILIANS EXPLANATION FROM TOKIO CANTON NOT DEFENCELESS (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) . LONDON, June 1. The Chinese Government, states a message from Tokio, has instructed its diplomatic representatives in Europe to draw the attention of Governments and the League of Nations to the terrible civilian casualties due to indiscriminate Japanese bombings in Canton and appealing to world conscience, with the hope that, on the grounds of humanitarianism, urgent effective measures will be taken to force the Japanese to cease the wholesale slaughter of civilians. The bombings, it is alleged, have caused casualties totalling several thousand non-combatants, including women and children. The attacks, it is urged, may be repeated elsewhere. even more tenribly. Canton Armaments A message from Tokio states that the Japanese Foreign Office Spokesman (Mr T. Kawai), with reference to the recent bombings of Canton, said: “The Chinese are denouncing us for attacking a supposedly defenceless city, but we spotted at least 31 emplacements of anti-aircraft batteries- and 10 military establishments, hence Canton cannot be recognised as defenceless. Moreover, for obvious reasons, several such establishments are close to foreign property, and another is close to the Sun Yet-Sen Memorial, but, nevertheless, we are doing our utmost not to damage foreign property.” The Japanese Foreign Office insists that the bombing of Canton was confined to fortresses, the aerodrome ammunition factories, and military points, and suggested that the civilian casualties are attributable to the recklessness of their fire. Equipped for Hara-kiri “All Japanese naval airmen are nrovided with special hara-kiri daggers with which they are expected to commit suicide if they fall alive in enemy territory,” said the Japanese Naval Spokesman at Shanghai, in denying the Chinese claim that 15 Japanese planes were shot down over Hankow. Referring to a report that the Japanese used parachutes, the Japanese Naval Spokesman said: “ Naval airmen are not equipped with parachutes. They are determined to share the fate of their machines, for which they are personally responsible to the Emperor. A Japanese warrior considers being imprisoned the greatest disgrace possible. On the other hand, army flyers can return from behind the lines. They are equipped with parachutes, hara-kiri daggers and a revolver.” HELP FROM RUSSIA REPORTED AGREEMENT SUBSTANTIAL SUPPLIES FOR CHINA LONDON. June 2. (Received June 2, at 5.5 p.m.) The Riga correspondent of The Times says that Dr Sun Fo, President of the Chinese Legislative Council, who recently visited Moscow, is reported to have concluded a new agreement giving Russia a privileged political position in-China in return for more substantial supplies of war materials. Russia has also undertaken to send to China expert military and administrative advisers. AMERICAN NATIONALS JAPANESE INTERFERENCE WASHINGTON, June 1. The Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) has strongly protested to Japan against the continued interference in China with American nationals and properties by Japanese military. OUTBREAK OF CHOLERA ATTEMPT TO CHECK SPREAD SHANGHAI, June 1. To prevent the spread of cholera, which is gradually becoming an epidemic, the Japanese are demanding certificates of inoculation for all new entrants.