ACTION BY JAPS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19978, 1 July 1939, Page 6

ACTION BY JAPS.

RESTRICTION IN CHINA LOWERING OF FLAG INTEN SI El ED 1 SLOCK AD E NO OFFICIAL KNOWLEDGE (Klee. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1 p.m. RUGBY, June 30. Speaking in the House of Commons fo-cJay, Mr. P. .J. Noel-Baker (Lab., Derby) asked the Prime Minister, Mr. Nc-ville Chamberlain, about the Japanese action at Swatovv in preventing the British ships Seistan and Kwan.gtung from entering the port and' in occupying the wharf of the Butterfield, Swires Company, and hauling down the British flag, and also about the declaration of the Japanese commander iat Tientsin that the blockade of the British Concession would be intensified.

The Foreign Under Secretary, Mr, R. A. But lor, said: “These two .ships did not call at Swatow on the advice of the local British naval authorities. Obstructions have been placed in the neighbourhood of the Butterfield, Swires Company’s wharf, but it has not been occupied. The Foreign Secretary’s •reports do not confirm the accounts of the hauling down of the British, flag there, or of the statement attributed to the Japanese commander at Tientsin.” Mr. Noel-Baker asked if Mr. Butler had seen the statement that booms had been placed across the ports of Foochow and Wenchow, and that the Japancse in Tientsin had, stated' the British Concession would be completely closed l os from. Saturday. Mr. Butler: I have seen reports in the press, but Viscount Halifax has no official confirmation .of the statement attributed to the Japanese military commander.