DEATH OF BRITON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23830, 9 June 1939, Page 9

DEATH OF BRITON

THE SHANGHAI OUTRAGE WAVE OF INDIGNATION TENSION INCREASING (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, June 7. A message from Shanghai says that a wave of indignation has swept the European community there over the fatal bayonetting of Mr Tinkler. The tension was not lessened by a statement by the spokesman at the Japanese Embassy that Mr Tinkler’s action was “ a deliberate insult to Japan. I am surprised that he was not shot on the spot.” Mr Tinkler was a former member of the Shanghai Municipal Police, and had been employed in a Pqotung mill for some years. The officials at Whitehall point out that, undoubtedly as a result of deliberate instigation by the Japanese, there has been considerable labour agitation at the mill, causing the employees to riot. Finally, on May 20 an armed British naval guard was stationed at the mill, but a few days later assurances were given by the Japanese that British lives and property, which were imperilled as a result of the fomented riots, would be adequately protected. This led to the withdrawal of the guard. PROTEST FROM BRITAIN SERIOUS VIEW TAKEN LONDON, June 7. Britain has protested to Tokio at the inadequate fulfilment of the Japanese undertaking to place an armed guard at the British mills in Pootung, and views seriously the death of Mr Tinkler, who, it is confirmed, died from bayonet wounds. A Shanghai message says that the naval spokesman alleges that Mr Tinkler was involved in the disorders. He was disarmed by a Japanese marine and then surrounded by Japanese with fixed bayonets, when he may have come into contact with a bayonet, but he denied that Mr Tinkler was wilfully stabbed. The Japanese Embassy spokesman cited Mr Tinkler’s fate as an example of summary action against foreigners trespassing on Japanese rights, and added that anyone endangering the Japanese forces would be indefinitely detained and even executed. He admitted that, despite the British request that Mr Tinkler should be immediately handed over, this was done only after his death, 15 hours after the wounding. The Consulate spokesman expressed surprise that Mr Tinkler was not shot and killed on the spot after arrogantly pointing and firing a revolver at Japanese. ANOTHER ENGLISHMAN DIES FOUND COLLAPSED OVER TABLE SHANGHAI, June 8. (Received June 9, at 1 a.m.) An Englishman, H. McAllister, belonging to the same firm as Tinkler, is reported to have died in mysterious circumstances. He was found in a collapsed condition over a table in the mill office, and did not regain consciousness. A preliminary examination revealed no signs of violence. JAPANESE ALLEGATION CRUISER FIRES ON PLANE TOKIO, June 8. (Received June 9, at 1 a.m.) The Domei News Agency reports that a British cruiser fired 10 shots at a Japanese aeroplane flying 2000 feet above the South China Sea. eastward of Hongkong. Several burst within 100 yards of the plane, which was not damaged. The pilot dedlares that he sighted the cruiser in the vicinity of Swatow, and clearly recognised the British flag painted on the side. The Japanese authorities declare that they take a serious view of the shooting, but the British naval authorities have no knowledge of the incident.