IN TIENTSIN

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20831, 15 June 1939, Page 7

IN TIENTSIN

THE BLOCKADE BEGINS AREAS SURROUNDED JAPANESE AT BARRICADES (United Press Assn.— Elcc. TeL Copyright LONDON, June 14 The Japanese blockade of the foreign concessions in Tientsin—the largest in China after Shanghai—began at 6 o'clock this morning. Japanese troops entirely surrounded the concessions, strong forces manning barricades and blocking all but two of the roads leading to them. Long queues of foreigners lined up at seven searchingposts. Hundreds of Chinese arriving at the barriers early this morning on their way to work were forced to pass though narrow alleyways, their clothing was stripped off behind closed doors, and they were searched at the rate of one a minute. British residents were closely inspected, but French and Americans were passed after a perfunctory identification. Motor-cars flying the German and Italian flags were not halted and not searched. The Btreets Deserted The streets are deserted and the flow of goods has stopped. Although a Japanese spokesman stated that food would be admitted, prices have already soared by 30 per cent. The most serious feature of the blockade is the threat to foreign trade. It is understood Britain will strongly protest at Japan's applying a war measure against Britain, with whom her relations arc friendly. British volunteer forces were mobilised last evening, and a battalion of /the Durham Light Infantry is patrolling the concession. The blockade is hourly becoming more intensive. Business is at a standstill, as most of the Chinese employees did not attempt to pass through the lines to the concessions. Meeting of British Cabinet The British Cabinet to-day considered the Tientsin situation. In Tokio Sir Robert Graigie, the British Ambassador, called on Mr Arita, the Foreign Minister. Baron Hiranuma, the Prime Minister, conferred with Mr Arita and the War Minister, General Itagaki, for some hours. A new agency announced that they decided on a vigorous policy in regard to the foreign concessions in China, including Tientsin, which had been turned into bases for assisting Marshal Chiang Kai-shek. The Japanese have stopped the entry into Tientsin of vegetables and prices have been trebled. Dozens of foodladen junks are lying in the river, but none are unloading. A British lighter was held up, examined and allowed to proceed. Japan's Patience Exhausted The Japanese Cabinet met to consider the situation at Tientsin, says a message from Tokio. A spokesman stated that Japan’s patience was exhausted and further negotiations with Britain were useless. The War Ofllce issued a pamphlet staling that another two or three years would be necessary to suppress the anti-Japanese armies in China. The entire nation must be placed on a footing to conduct a long-range war. The pamphlet adds that Japan must simultaneously engage in an ideological battle against Russia and fight those third Powers which are assisting China economically and diplomatically.

JAPANESE BRUTALITY DEATH OF BRITISH SUBJECT BEATEN WITH BAYONETS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received June 15, 11 a.m.) SHANGHAI, June 14 A witness named William Rankin revealed at the Inquest on the body of Mr R. Tinkler, who was killed at the Pootung mill, that Japanese marines brutally beat Mr Tinkler with bayonets and rifles while he was lying on the ground disarmed. Mr Rankin added that he saw Mr Tinkler Are a shot into the ground and the Japanese attacked him after a marine had approached him from behind and knocked a pistol from his hand. BRITIBH OFFER REJEOTED CONFISCATION OF CURRENCIES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel, Copyright) LONDON, June 14 The spokesman of the Japanese Foreign Office confirmed that Japan has rejected the British Government’s proposal for a committee of three — one British, one Japanese and a neutral chairman, preferably American—to determine whether the four Chinese accused of murder should he banded over to the Japanese. The spokesman said the control of currency >*as one of the principal objects of the blockade. It was intended to confiscate illegal currencies. He added that the blockade was defensive, and it was not intended to take the concession by force. The Chinese Mayor, Wen Shingtseng. issued a proclamation declaring that no obstacles would hinder the creation of a new order in East Asia. The responsibility for the grave situation was entirely Britain’s, for harbouring hired assassins. A spark may cause a big conflagration, and it is impossible to predict what changes the next few days may bring. MARKETS COMPLETELY IDLE EFFECT ON STOCK EXCHANGE (United Preai As*n.—Elec. Tel. Copyrl&tit) (Received June 15. 11 a.m.) LONDON. June li The markets are completely idle, with a sagging tendency as a result of the Tientsin situation.