JAPAN’S CABINET DECISION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20932, 11 January 1938, Page 7

JAPAN’S CABINET DECISION

DETERMINED TO PRESS CAMPAIGN

SEQUEL TO ATTACKS ON BRITISH OFFICERS

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 10, 6.30 p.m.) TOKIO, January 9. The Japanese Cabinet is reported to have reached a full agreement to “destroy completely the anti-Japanese Administration in China.” Cabinet Consideration The Japanese Cabinet to-day resumed an important series of conferences designed to “settle finally Japan’s fundamental policy toward China.” It is understood that among the, questions to be decided is the advisability of recalling Mr Kawagoe (Japanese Ambassador in China) whose presence may be regarded no longer as necessary in view of yesterday’s decision, as reported by the Domei News Agency, “to liquidate the anti-Japanese administration in China.” Otherwise to crush Marshal Chiang Kai Shek. Admiral Suetsugu said: “Things have come to such a pass that war must be declared against China.” He argued that a coup de grace must be delivered by cutting off the supply of arms and ammunition.

Mr Nakajima (Minister of Railways) advocated a “wait and see” attitude. The Cabinet for three hours discussed different policies, and finally, says ‘The Asahi,” Cabinet agreed that only one course was open, namely, the continuance of hostilities with a view to the eradicating of the antiJapanese regime. The Foreign Office spokesman pointed out that the Chiang Kai Shek Government was still clamouring for the prolongation of armed opposition to Japan in total disregard for the welfare of its own people. CONTROL OF SHANGHAI SUPPRESSING HOSTILE DISPLAYS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 10, 5.5 p.m.) SHANGHAI, January 9. Following the dispersal of the crowd and 100 arrests by police from 2000 taking part in an anti-Japanese procession, the Government has issued a communique prohibiting all road assemblies or processions unless they are religious or licensed. Army’s Edict A Japanese army representative declared that in case of necessity the Japanese would not recognise, except In principle, the boundaries between the various forces in Shanghai. For instance, if a bomb-thrower fled into another section, he would be pursued.

ASSAULT OF BRITISH OFFICERS BRITISH PROTEST TENDERED United Press Ae relation—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 10, 7.50 p.m.) SHANGHAI, January 10. The British Consul-General (Mr Phillips) strongly protested to the Consul-General (Mr Okamoto) regarding the attack on the British police. Mr Okamoto expressed concern and promised a thorough investigation. Military Explanation A Japanese army spokesman declares that Sergeant Turner Insulted the Japanese army by interfering with the duties of a soldier. This the Japanese troops regard as a reflection upon the Emperor, as Commander-in-Chief of the army.

The spokesman also said that the Japanese-French incident of January 8 had been completely settled although neither side had apologised.

The Japanese last Thursday maltreated two Britishers, Inspector West and Sergeant Turner, of the Shanghai police force. The sergeant, while watching Japanese searching a Chinese hawker, remarked to a Japanese fellowofficer of the International police that the troops seemed unnecessarily rough. The Japanese punched him on the nose, saying, “It’s none of your damned business.” Japanese troops entered the British sector, dragged Sergeant Turner back, and struck him with their fists. Inspector West, on his arrival, demanded Turner’s realease, and was also beaten before being released. The British Commander-in-Chief called on General Harada and protested in the strongest terms against Japanese violation of the British defence sector and the ill-treatment of Turner. He warned General Harada that any repetition of such an offence might ’lead to the gravest possible consequences.

SEQUEL TO RAID ON HOTEL OFFICIAL BRITISH EXPLANATION United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received 'anuary 10, 6.30 p.m.) SHANGHAI, January 9. The British Consulate has issued an explanation of the New Asia Hotel incident. It is stated that the hotel was actually owned by Chinese. Therefore British protection was withdrawn, although the Hotel Company was incorporated in Hong Kong. The statement adds that the Union Jacks were lowered by permission of the consulate and were afterwards replaced by a Japanese flag. The incident referred to occurred last month. The Japanese military authorities arrested four Chinese on the hotel premises and detained them for questioning. It was first stated that the hotel was o-ned by an Australian.