SPIES AT SINGAPORE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20484, 10 December 1934, Page 1

SPIES AT SINGAPORE.

Big Japanese Organisation Discovered by Authorities.

DETAILS TO BE KEPT SECRET.

Mystery of Prisoner’s Sudden Death in Detective Office.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received December 10, 11.30 a.m.)

SINGAPORE, December 9. FOLLOWING the sensational report that an extensive Japanese espionage system had been discovered in Singapore comes the announcement that it lias been officially decided never to make public the details of the Japanese espionage case.

Sir Henton Thomas, Governor of the Strait Settlements, personally saw the Press and requested that no further statements be made locally. He refused to suggest the details of the case.

The Colonial Office in London has full details and may make a statement.

I The mystery concerning Mr Y. Nisliimura, who died in the office of the Special Branch detectives on Wednesday, thickens, as the police still delay the publication of the result of the autopsy.

It is assumed by the general public here that a big espionage organisation has been discovered.

It is understood that the Japanese who were arrested yesterday are being deported at the week-end. The police are maintaining the greatest secrecy concerning their inquiries.

prominent Singapore Japanese merchant, Mr Y. Nishimura, in the office of Special Branch detectives two days ago. The police, who are reticent, questioned many prominent members of a Japanese association. Two have been detained and possibly will be banished. The police also seized many documents. Rumours which are current suggest a gigantic espionage system associated with the visit of two Japanese who left earlier in the week and regarding whom the police were questioning Mr Nishimura when his death occurred.

The combined naval, army and air manoeuvres off Singapore are beginning on December 13. It is stated officially that the manoeuvres will be secret and that no statement will be made to the newspapers.

A cable despatched from Singapore on December 7 said:—Sensational developments followed the death of a