OPINION OF ADMIRAL SIR ROGER KEYS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 143, 20 June 1939, Page 7

OPINION OF ADMIRAL SIR ROGER KEYS

HAPPENINGS AMOUNT TO A VIRTUAL DECLARATION OF WAR

K< t-ci\< >l June 19. 111.55 p.m. LONDON', June ]S Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes, who was in Tientsin at the time of the Boxer Rebellion, in a speech at Hornsey, said: "The events in Tientsin amount to a declaration of war. The challenge must be met. If we hesitate humiliation is certain and war is almost inevitable.’ A Tokio iwssasc quotes th.- Domei news agency as stating that Japan s policy regarding Tientsin will not be altered. The Government is wholeheartedly supporting the measures taken locally. “Si ice Britain cannot very well withdraw from China,,” the agency states, "both the English and the Japanese authorities in Tientsin are likely to maintain their present ground unless an unexpected incident happens.” The British ships Yatshing and Chengtu traversed lite Hal River without being stopped ami arrived al the Concession ii.irt. alter which tile owners ordered the resumption of shipments from Shanghai. Tin- food situation has slightly improved as a result of supplies brought i.i by an armed escort. A detachment of the Iturham Light Infantry marched out to the Italian Concession, 1 her- they filled up s ven lorries with vegetables and re-entered the British t om- ssion without challenge. I'he I lit.al I nniise news agency "epuils that seven of Is p'di Is -aught deli .•ring vegetables to the British Concession " i re loiecd i . km el in the roadway with petrol tins over their heads and literally scorched to death by the mid-day sun, after '.' hich I hey V. ere cremated. Because of continued insults from pickets, the Consul Gem ral. Mr. .Irmie.-oji. warned British subjects not to attempt io pass 1 In- bai l : ••;de unless it was vitally necessary. The spirits of til" l.csiem-d has ■ isen as a result of the news that two British, firms at Shanghai arc resuming the shipment of cargoes to Tii ntsin. The Japanese Consul rejected the British Consul's renewed demands To cease discrimination against British subjects and ' •■lax tin- food t r.'iisport restrictions. The Japanese Consul asserted that th" measures had been instituted in self-defence and th" estabii-ii.-.i policy would not be changed. Ihe British authorities are considering the e\aquation of nomen and children to nearby seaside resorts. The L’nited States Asiatic Fleet has arrived al; Chefoo on summer manocuvri s. The Japanese military authorities announce that from 10 p.m. local time, 31 miles of wire surrounding the British and French Concessions will be charged with 220 volts.