Extracts from Press Translations included in
Naval Attaché's 'Naval Notes" for September, 1931.
19
"Tokyo Asahi", September 30th, 1931.- (evening of Sept, 29,
dated Sept. 30.)
"At the Cabinet Council on the 29th, Admiral Baron
Abo referred to the Chinese riots against Japanese residents
in Hongkong. He then stated that, as the result of conference
with the British authorities, British troops were sent to the
spot and the riots were brought down to some extent. Admiral
Baron Abo continued, "As the riot was threatening, Japanese
nationals resident in Hongkong applied to the Navy Department
for the dispatch of warships. The application is entertained
and the idea in favour of the request is gaining strength.
Even if a warship be sent there, it is necessary to seek a
previous understanding with the British authorities in landing
naval contingents. Accordingly, the landing of naval contin-
gents cannot be considered an easy matter, but otherwise moral
pressure upon Chinese rioters is not effective. This is the
outstanding difficulty, yet for all that, things cannot be left
to shift for themselves. For these reasons appropriate
measures to be taken are earnestly studied."
In consequence of this statement, it has been
decided to entrust the Navy and Foreign Ministers with timely
steps to be taken at their discretion."
"Osaka Asahi", September 30th, 1931;
"The 'Saga' of the 1st Foreign Service Squadron left
Canton on the 29th for Hongkong in accordance with the under-
standing previously sought with the British authorities at the
latter port."
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