1939-02-16 — Page 1

"RICKSHAW"

BRAND

CEYLON TEA

SOLD BY

ALL COMPRADORĖS.

Library, Supreme Coert

THIRD EDITION

CHINA

OLDEST NEWSPAPER IN THE FAR EAST. ESTABLISHED 1845.

No. 30,605

INSIST ON

Daisy

MAIL Brand

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16; 1939 Price: 10 Cts.

AUSTRALIA'S CHOICEST

BUTTER

JAPANESE PLANS

IN HAINAN

POLITICAL AIMS

OF OCCUPATION

(From Our Own Correspondent)

Tokyo, To-day. Despite the assurances given by Tokyo to Britain and France concerning the occupation of Hai- nan Island, opinion in well-informed circles ex- press the conviction that there is a strong poli- tical motive behind the breach of the promise given to France last year.

It seems doubtful whether the decision is connected directly with the broad question of Japanese naval domination of the Pacific, but the Tokyo habit of proceeding beyond first intentions has to be borne in mind.

strong comment in Japanese poli- tical circles.

In diplomatic quarters here, an American ship has aroused the belief is held that for the moment, the Japanese are con- cerned chiefly with the aim of cutting off supplies of munitions to Chiang Kai-shek.

For this purpose, it is thought, Hainan has been occupied with the object of playing upon British and French fears to try and se- cure termination of providing Chiang with war material.

The reported arrival at

Meanwhile, despite the official attitude, the Japanese press writes freely about the future of Hainan, in a manner which may be part of the campaign playing upon fears, or may express the of the Govern- real intention ment.

ACCLAIMED AS “COUP”

The press is almost unanimous

Rangoon of 200 military tanks in in acclaiming the coup as the be-

British Armed Force For Hainan Suggested

London, To-day.

No reply was given to a question in the House of Com- mons yesterday as to whether Britain Intended to take

mili- tary action in connexion with Japanese occupation of Hai- nan Island.

Hainan was the subject of several questions.

The Under-Secretary for For- eign Affairs, Mr. R. A. Butler, replying, said the Japanese had not previously notified their Intention of occupying the Island.

They had stated that they have no territorial designs and that the occupation will not last longer than fo militarily "necessary.

Sir J. S. Wardlaw-Milne (Conservative, Kidderminster) asked whether in the circum- stances the Government consi-

war

dered sending a British ship or landing British forces, considering that in view of their statement the Japanese could not reasonably object to such action..

Mr." Butler said he required notice of the question.

Sir Archibald Sinclair (Li- beral) asked if the Goyern- "ment accepted the Japanese

re ply, and whether they pronos- ed to acquiesce in the occupa tion of Hainan for the duration of the war.

Mr. Butler replied that he had answered the question on the paper

Sir J. Wardlaw-Milne asked if the United States Govern ment had already sent a war ship to Hainan.

Mr. Butler said he was- un-! able to answer.--Reuter.

JAP.-RUN NEWSPAPER IN SINGAPORE

Singapore, To-day.

It is announced that the Ja- panese English-language newspa- per, "Singapore Nippo," which has been published as a weekly, will in future become a daily.—Our Own Correspondent.

ginning of Japan's march to the south, and declaring that the is- land will be converted into an important naval and air base.

"Occupation of the entire island is proceeding according to plan," says a report issued by the Navy Department..

The press says that Yulin will become a naval base des- tined to play an important part in safeguarding Japan- ese communications with the South Sea islands.

"The outer roadsteads will be used as an anchorage for large to warships, while vessels up 3,000 tons will be able to use the inner harbour.

ANGLO-FRENCH STAFF TALKS REQUESTED

London, To-day.

The diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" learns that the French Government has sug- tə gested to the British Government that it might be desirable to in- augurate constructive talka be- tween their Service Staffs оп matters of special importance to the two Empires.

In view of the fact that British and French interests in several areas may be challenged from any one of several quarters, and the frequent totalitarian boast that their plans for mutual assist- ance have been worked out to the last detail for any eventuality, it is proposed that plans for co- operation in certain contingencies could be examined, and if possi- ble, agreed on in advance. Reuter.

A big aerodrome is to be built in the north of the island.. Our Own Correspondent.

Be sure the name

FRIGIDAIRE

on

GR

FRIGIDAIRE)

M

the refrigerator you buy

Sole Agents--DODWELL & CO.

Alexandra Building,