JAPAN APOLOGISES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 179, 1 August 1941, Page 5

JAPAN APOLOGISES

BOMBING OF U.S. GUNBOAT ACTION TAKEN BEFORF PROTEST MADE London. July 31. It was reported from Tokio to-day that the Japanese Government, through the United States Ambassador to Japan, has apologised for lhe bombing, by Japanese planes, of the United States gunboat Tutuila. This, it was added, was made before there had been time for protests to be made. The responsible Minister in Tokio pointed out that strict, orders had been given to Japanese forces not to attack United States ships or property. London, July 30. The Japanese dropped bombs directly over the United States gunboat Tutuila, anchored in the so-called safety zone in Chungking. There were no casualties, but one I bomb damaged the stern of the Tutuila and sank a motor-boat; another bomb fell between the gunboat i and the Embassy: and a third damag--Icd the residence of one of the i Embassy staff. After conferring with the Japanese ; Ambassador to the United States, Admiral K. Nomura, the Undersecretary of State, Mr. Sumner Welles, announced that the United States made representations to Japan [over the bombing.—U.P.A.