ORDER TO FIRE ON PANAY

Southland Times, Issue 23388, 21 December 1937, Page 5

ORDER TO FIRE ON PANAY

Political Power As Shield PROBLEM FOR HIGH COMMAND AMBASSADOR BROADCASTS APOLOGY TO U.S.A. (United Press Association) (Received Dec. 20, 11.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 20. A Japanese officer, Colonel Hashimoto, personally ordered the motor-launches to fire on the United States gunboat Panay, according to a report published by The New York Times from a correspondent in Shanghai. Colonel Hashimoto is using his political strength to prevent punishment for his act, resulting in a grim battle at the present time within the Japanese Army’s High Command. The officers are wondering whether the Commander-in-Chief (General Iwane Matsui) dares to punish the colonel, who was a prime mover in the military coup in Tokyo in February 1936.

Apprehension is mounting in Japanese Army and Government circles that if Colonel Hashimoto is not punished to the same degree as Rear-Admiral Neizo Mitsunami, who was recalled, all foreign governments will feel that the heads of the Japanese Army are no longer responsible and will follow the example of the President (Mr Franklin D. Roosevelt) and address all protests to the Emperor. An unprecedented development was a public apology made in a wireless broadcast by the Japanese Ambassador to Washington (Mr Hiroshi Saito). “SHOCKING BLUNDER” “The attacks were a shocking blunder,” said Mr Saito. “The Japanese Government and people are grieved beyond words. Apologies and regrets have gone out officially and unofficially from all quarters in Japan; all Japanese are anxious to make amends. The Government has already declared its intention to pay indemnities for material loss. That is hardly of any moment What is impossible to redeem is the loss of life; no compensation possible to mortal man would be adequate for the families bereft. This therefore we must deplore. We had not thought such a blunder would occur and we were amazed when the news came; but now that it. has occurred our authorities are doing their best to see there is no repetition. The naval commander of the air squadron at Shanghai has been dismissed and recalled and all the other necessary steps are being taken so that guarantees of safety will be assured all foreign persons and interests.” . / The speech, which was carried over a network of 23 stations, lasted two minutes. It was part of a commercially sponsored programme. Mr Saito was followed by a criminologist and preceded by an actress.

DEEP RESENTMENT IN AMERICA CHINESE BURN JAPANESE MERCHANDISE (Received December 20, 7.20 p.m.) NEW YORK, December 19. The Administration has the support of the majority of Americans who, while not wanting war, deeply resent the Japanese insult. Observers agree that additional incidents similar to that of the Panay are likely to change resentment into a war spirit. The great interest in the Panay situation is demonstrated by the fact that the newspapers are devoting most of their front pages to it and many columns inside. There are daily editorials and many letters from readers. At an anti-Japanese demonstration at Chicago Chinese burned Japanese merchandise valued at approximately 10,000 dollars. Boy Scouts fed the fire, which took place in a vacant section. The merchandise represented the stock of shops in the Chinatown area, which has a population of 8000. JAPANESE OBSTRUCT BRITONS NORMAL REQUEST REFUSED AT SHANGHAI SHANGHAI, December 19. Japanese officials continue their obstructionist tactics against the British. The latest example of refusal of a normal request is the disallowing of British naval officers to visit the British warehouse in Hongkew and obtain stores and material for the repair of H.M.S. Ladybird, which was damaged by Japanese bombers. The Hong Kong correspondent of The Daily Telegraph says that at an anti-British meeting at Osaka a resolution was passed condemning the alleged British policy of aiding China, opposing British economic plans and condemning any attempt at British intervention in the Sino-Japanese hostilities. CANADIAN CONDEMNATION OF JAPAN INDIGNATION STOPS SHORT OF BOYCOTT WINNIPEG, December 17. The Legislature adopted a resolution condemning Japanese agression in A motion to boycott Japanese goods and prohibit the export of war materials to Japan was rejected. JAPANESE PROTEST TO RUSSIA ARRESTS OF NATIONALS AT VLADIVOSTOCK TOKYO, DecemK. 17. Japan has protested to the Soviet Embassy against the arrest of seven Japanese on ambiguous charges at Vladivostock on March 27 last, and has cUowwAed their immediate release.