WARSHIPS FIRED ON.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16748, 15 March 1926, Page 5

WARSHIPS FIRED ON.

INCIDENT ON PIEHO RIVER JAPANESE SAILORS INJURED. STRONG PROTEST LODGED. (Reuler.) PEKING, March 13. Two Japanese destroyers from Tangku, 50 miles from Tientsin, were allempling lo proceed up the Pcl-ho River when they were fired upon by Ihe forts at Taku, the village at flic mouth of the river, with machine-guns and field batteries. Two ratings were wounded, also a Japanese military officer, who was temporarily aboard one of the destroyers, and a Japanese pilot. The commanders of the warships decided lo abandon the attempt to navigate the river and they returned to Tangku. At present it is not clear whether they returned the fire from the forts. The Japanese Consul-General at Tientsin has lodged a strong protest.

A message from Tokio says a spokesman for the Japanese Foreign Office said the matter was regarded seriously, but the Government was awaiting further details before deciding what action should be taken. It was probable, however, that nothing but a vigorous protest would be made as it was thought, the firing was most likely due to a misunderstanding. LATER. NO RETALIATION. CHANGED JAPANESE ATTITUDE. ASSURANCES TO BE DEMANDED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Received March 15, 1.45 p.m.) TOKIO, March 14. Regarding the at lack on tho destroyers, Ihe Foreign Office states it does not expect to retaliate, but will demand an absolute assurance that there will be no reoccurrence in the future. It is said the principal fear is the anger of the Japanese public, but the altitude or the people is believed to be much different to that of a decade ago when such an incident would have aroused terrific indignation. One destroyer proceeded to Port Arthur with the wounded, and the others are anchored at Taku awaiting inslruclions.

The Government is awaiting suggestions from the Allied Consular meeting at Tientsin. It is stated that is hoped the Powers will agree to Japan may act independently, but it some method of future prolection. The matter of (he punishment of the attackers and indemnities will be considered by Japan later.