HONGKONG BORDER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23896, 25 August 1939, Page 9

HONGKONG BORDER

BRITISH PRECAUTIONS v BRIDGES DISMANTLED UNEASINESS INCREASING (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) . HONGKONG, Aug. 23. British troops dismantled two bridges connecting Hongkong with Chinese territory. British lessees in Chinese areas are advised to move info Hongkong immediately. Four Japanese cruisers arrived at Namtau, increasing the general uneasiness. A number of armed trawlers and other craft are already there. THIRD POWER RIGHTS JAPAN’S INTENTION S TOKIO, Aug. 23. Mr Arita, in a speech stressing the necessity for National concentration to achieve Japan’s objective in China without outside assistance, said Japan intends to wipe out third Power rights and interests in China. HABEAS CORPUS WRIT NO CASE MADE OUT LONDON, Aug. 23. Mr Justice Cassels dismissed the habeas corpus writ, holding that no case had been made out that the Chinese were illegally detained. He said a writ could not be issued against the Foreign Secretary,, because Lord Halifax’s position in thi matter was that of adviser. , BLOCKADE THE BRITISH COLONY ON A WARTIME FOOTING HONGKONG, Aug. 24. (Received Aug. 24, at 10 p.m.) The British colony is virtually on a wartime footing in face of a complete Japanese blockade. The Government has appealed to all British subjects over 41 to enrol in the air raid precautions fighting forces and the civilian defence services. The response has been magnificent and actual mobilisation of them is the only additional step necessary. British women and children have been advised to leave the border towns. The steps taken are precautionary, due to the European situation, not to fear of Japanese action. FLOODS AT TIENTSIN THE POSITION WORSE .TIENTSIN, Aug. 24. (Received Aug. 24, at 10 p.m.) The floods have become worse and the river has risen 13 feet above thelowest sections •of the city. The Italians have declared martial law in an effort to maintain order among thousands of Chinese who are attempting to take refuge in the concession. ... ’ THE SHANGHAI AREA LEAVE FOR TROOPS CANCELLED SHANGHAI, Aug. 24. (Received Aug. 24, at 10 p.m.) ' All leave for British troops ha« been cancelled. It is reported that over 10,000 ( Japanese troops have arrived in' the Shanghai -area. Riots -have occurred because of the high cost of rice, resulting from the currency collapse. Many persons have been arrested.