REPLY BY TOKIO

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19423, 7 September 1937, Page 5

REPLY BY TOKIO

ATTACK ON AMBASSADOR DIET TALK OF INSULT NO TANGIBLE PROOF DOUBTS OF MINISTER (Elec. Tel. Copyright —United Press Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 7, 11.30 a.m.) TOKIO, Sept. 6. The Japanese reply to Britain regarding the attack by aeroplanes on August 2G on the British Ambassador to China, Sir Hughe Montgomery Knatchball-Hugesson, has been delivered. It is understood it is of an interim character. The details are not disclosed. The Foreign Minister, Mr. K. Hirota, questioned in the Diet regarding an "insult in the British note" declined to comment. The questioner implied that an insult was contained in the assertion that Japan had deliberately attacked non-combatants. Mr. Hirota. asserted, that there was at present no tangible proof that the Ambassador was attacked by a Japanese plane. He firmly believed that no Japanese would intentionally attack a non-combatant. A Conservative, Mr. Takeshi Azuma, requested Mr. Hirota to ascertain whether the Japanese Foreign Office regarded the note as proper and reasonable and what were the exact facts: whether it was not Chinese intrigue; and whether the British Ambassador to China was not responsible for attempting, without notification, to pass the fighting zone. Mr. Hirota reiterated that there was no evidence of an attack by Japanese aircraft. Mr. Hirota, discussing the SinoSoviet pact, referred to the assurance of the Chinese Ambassador that the pact was negative and had no secret provisions, and also to the Soviet Ambassador's assurance that Russia did not intend to interfere in the SinoJapanese conflict. "Nevertheless," Mr. Hirota added, "the pact cannot be overlooked. Communist activity must be given attention, especially after the Russian activity in Spanish affairs." JAPANESE RETICENCE QUEST FOR ASSAILANTS (Reed. Sept. 7, 9.30 a.m.) SHANGHAI, Sept. 6. The Japanese authorities refuse to deny or confirm a story that they have been unable to trace the airmen who attacked and wounded the British Ambassador to China, Sir Hughe Knatch-bull-Hughessen, on the road between Nanking and Shanghai on August 2G.