1938-06-21 — Page 11

THE CHINA MAIL, JUNĖ 21, 1938

JAPANESE

OCCUPY

TO

THREAT

HAINAN

French Foreign Minister's Talk With Ambassador

Request For

Statement As To Japan's Intentions

Paris, To-day.

The French Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, had a long conversation with the Japanese Ambassador, Mr. Sugimura, yesterday evening to which po- litical circles here attach great importance. Referring to a number of Japanese reports con-

cerning the possibility of Japanese troops oc-¡ cupying the Island of Hainan, M. Bonnet is stated to have asked Mr. Sugimura exactly what Japan's intentions were in this respect. The Japanese Ambassador could only repeat the text of an official statement made in Japan, namely, that although Japan was not at pre- sent contemplating occupying Hainan, she would not hestitate to take this step if it became necesary in the course of the Sino-Japanese conflict, since in her opinion such action would not be contrary to the terms of certain treaties.

ITALY READY TO AID IN SPANISH TRUCE?

London; To-day.

No official report has yet been received in London concerning Count Ciano's conversation with: Lord Perth in Rome.

Moreover, it appears from statements made in semi-official quarters, that France does not intend to rely on the Franco- Japanese Treaty which, it is con- sidered here, is too general.

Most important of all, how- ever, is the fact that authorita- tive circles here seem to be of the opinion that if the Japanese did actually occupy Hainan, it would be extremely difficult, or even impossible, for France to

take

any practical counter- measures. Trans-Ocean.

FRENCH ATTITUDE

It is suggested that in view of

PARIS, TO-DAY. the slowness of the non-inter- THE GOVERNMENT'S SUR- vention committee's procedures, PRISE AT THE JAPANESE AL- Signor Mussolini is sounding Mr. LEGATIONS, THAT FRANCE Chamberlain on the chances of WAS SENDING WAR MATERIAL devising some quicker method TO CHINA WAS EXPRESSED TO of effecting the withdrawal of THE JAPANESE AMBASSADOR volunteers.

It is observed that if a truce could be negotiated between the two parties in Spain on terms agreeable to Britain and Italy, the atmosphere for ac- celerating the withdrawal might be greatly improved.

It is stated, however, that there is no confirmation nor any evid- ence of greater readiness of either side in Spain to suspend hostilities at present.

MEETING TO-DAY

Meanwhile, though somewhat overshadowed by the Anglo-Italian issue over the delayed completion of the agreement, the non-inter- vention, committee meets to-day in a further attempt to get a com- promise agreement, on the British formula for the withdrawal of volunteers-Reuter.

London, To-day.

This picture

FIRST PICTURES OF THE FIRST TEST MATCH. shows Barnett, who scored a sparkling century and had the bad luck to miss getting a hundred before lunch, by two runs, attempting to pull a ball, from Fleetwood-Smith round to leg. (Copyright. By Air Mail). Other pictures will be found elsewhere in this issue.

-EUROPEAN- SERIOUSLY

ILL

-It-was--learned_this__ morn- ing that Mr. J. A. Gal- braîte, Chief Engineer of the s.s. Ping Wo, lying at No. 2 buoy, has been removed to the infec- tious diseases hospital in an un- conscious condition. It wAS AUS- pected that he was suffering from cholera, but the latest informa- tion is that this is not so.

BY M. BONNET, MINISTER FOR was laid' by two warships. FOREIGN AFFAIRS.

Chinese machine-gun fire forced

two

With reference to the possible oc- a retreat. cupation of Hainan Island to which The Japanese vessels fired more the Japanese Foreign Office spokes-than 50 shells, which killed man referred, it has been pointed Chinese non-combatants, destroyed out in responsible quarters that the nine houses and sank two fishing Japanese Government in the past junks.-Central News. has indicated that Hainan would not be occupied if France observed neutrality.

The Government considers that it has remained impartial in the Sino-Japanese conflict and therefore there is no justification for any occupation though it was admitted that the occupation would not violate the

Franco-Japanese. Treaty of

1907.-Reuter.

HAINAN ISLAND DEFENCES TESTED

Canton, To-day. Japanese tested the Hainan Is- land defences on June 19, according to a military report just received. The Foreign Secretary entertain- Some 40 marines in six "rubber ed representatives of the awedish craft, approached the shore at Lin- press to luncheon in London yester- kao, about 70 kilometres west of day.British Wireless.

'Hoihow; while a protective barrage

JAPANESE ARMY DEPOT SET ON FIRE

Shanghai, To-day.

A Japanese Army depot was set on fire yesterday afternoon shortly after 1 p.m. in Kiangwan Road, and was totally destroyed after blazing for several hours.

The fire is suspected to have been the work of Chinese incen- diarists.

Martial law existed in the Hongkew area throughout last night, but no arrests have been made.

Rifle fire was heard last night, but details are still not available. -Our Own Correspondent.

Here's Luck!

DRINK

EWO

BEER