GUNS POINTED AT JAPANESE

Southland Times, Issue 23375, 6 December 1937, Page 5

GUNS POINTED AT JAPANESE

French Refusal To Allow Passage POLICE ESCORT CONVOY THROUGH AREA (United Press Assn.— Telegraph Copyright) (Received December 5, 7 p.m.) LONDON, December 4. When the four Japanese lorries at.empted to enter the French Concession at Shanghai this morning the streets in the neighbourhood were cleared, and the French placed three armoured cars end to end across the French Bund and French and Chinese police, with rifles, formed a human ring 30 yards in front. Six Japanese officers parleyed for an hour with French officers, while more French troops rushed up. Hot arguments ensued, the French pointing their guns at the Japanese lorries. The French refused the Japanese troops a thoroughfare except under conditions by which the convoys were not heavily armed and submitted to a French police escort through the concession. Japanese consular officers eventually persuaded the Japanese military authorities to accept the conditions, upon which French police boarded the trucks and conducted them through the concession. The French Chief of Police states that the Japanese have no right to traverse the concession except when given permission, after which they must comply with all French requirements. It is believed that the Japanese had hoped to establish a precedent for the movement of troops and supplies across the concession. They appear to have succeeded as far as supplies are concerned, but not troops. The concession is actually French territority, thus enjoying r. different status from that of the International Settlement. JAPANESE COMPLAINT ABOUT SHANGHAI THREAT OF PATROL TO CHECK AGITATION TOKYO, December 3. A Japanese spokesman expressed dissatisfaction with the control of antiJapanese agitation in the French Concession and the International Settlement. The parade, he said, could be regarded as a manifestation of Japanese determination. The Japanese Army, if the disturbed situation continues, would patrol the French Concession and the settlement in order to maintain peace. The authorities in the concession and in the settlement were not entitled to claim neutrality. It is reported in Tokyo that the Shanghai Municipality, after the incidents on Friday, has accepted the Japanese demands, permitting the army entrance to the settlement without notice, promising to do its utmost to prevent similar disturbances, and agreeing, in the event of a recurrence, to the Japanese taking measures they deem necessary, including the search and arrest of suspects. The council is also reported to have agreed to measures being taken if the Japanese regard the control of the settlement as insufficient