1941-03-04 — Page 25

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THE CHINA MAIL, MARCH 4, 1941.

VICHY HEDGING IN TOKYO "MEDIATION"

A TOKYO REPORT says an agreement is

expected to be drafted this afternoon by the INDIAN

peace conference following the receipt of new

instructions by the French and Thai delega-GUARD

tions.

Meanwhile, the Japanese are urging the French to reconsider their reply which, while accepting Japan's proposals in principle, is reported to contain several reservations, not- ably regarding Cambodia.

French circles in Long. don commenting on the Tokyo "mediation" situa- tion, think that Vichy is still playing for time. Hence acceptance of Ja- pan's terms "in principle" is subject to certain con-

Reuter.

MR. WINANT

ON

ditions which will prplong TO

the parleys.

U.S. AID

BRITAIN

4SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL"]

However, it is thought possible that Saigon may ignore Vichy's decision and resist if Japan uses THE NEW UNITED STATES force. This necounts for the un- FAMBASSADOR TO BRITAIN, diminished military preparations MR. JOHN WINANT, AT A

in Indo-China.

PRESS INTERVIEW IN LON- It is believed) that Vichy is DON YESTERDAY DECLARED STEADY AMERICAN anxicus, to avoid war principally THAT for the following reasons:

HELP WOULD BE COMING TO ENGLAND AND IN GREAT QUANTITY.

First, Michy is afraid of anger- ing Berlin, thereby straining the already not so cordial relations.

Mr. Winant stated that public almost Second, Vichy feels itself help-opinion in America, was less and isolated and cannot ap- wholly in favour of the Adminis- peal for assistance from Britain tration's desire to help Great Bri- and the United States.

tain and that the isolationists in the United States represented only a very small percentage.

Thirdly, if Indo-China even tually joins General de Gaulle, Vichy will be considerably emi barrassed vis-a-vis Berlin and 3ts prestige will be affected as Marshal Petain has repeatedly affirmed Vichy's determination to defend the integrity of

the French Entpire.

General de Gaulle's statement that concessions wrested' from Indo-China by extortion will not be recognised, is a clear warning that whatever may happen now, the matter will be different after the Allied victory.

From reports reaching London; it seems that Tokyo is trying to justify the ultimatum to Vichy by accusing British and American "intrigues" to obstruct Japan's mediation efforts.-Central News.

D.F.M. FOR SERGEANT AIR-GUNNER

THE DISTINGUISHED FLY-

ΤΟ

ING MEDAL IS AWARDED -REAR-GUNNER. SERGEANT

TO THE OFFICIAL ACCOUNT,

DETAINED

"An Indian Guard has

been detained by the Hunghom Police in con- nection with a brutal at- | tack-on-a-Chinese-woman in To Kwa Wan Road at 11 p.m. last night.

Following a telephone message, from a shop in the rond last night, an ambulance was sent from the Kowloon Hospital to pick up a 32-year-old · Chinese woman,

Li Fong, who was found suffering from severe face and head in- juries. apparently inflicted with a dagger or knife.

Some 10 minutes later, an In- dian Guard appeared at Hunghom Police Station and reported that The had seen three men attack a Chinese woman in To Kwa Wan Road.

According to the Police, the wo- man, in a statement taken at the Kowloon Hospital last right, al- leged that she had been attacked by an Indian and as a result the Police detained the guard.

The woman's condition was de- scribed as serious this morning.

find that their propaganda about American help coming too late is all wrong." he added. Interna- "I am sure that the Axis willtional News Service.

JAPANESE WARSHIPS AT YULIN BOMBED

{SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL”)

A SQUADRON OF 12 Chinese bomber and fighter aircraft raided a Japanese naval concen- tration in Yulin Harbour (Hainan Island) last week, it was learned in Kwong Chow Wan last night from authentic foreign circles.

WANTED TO TELL THE

KING

The same source of information stated that the Japanese have ad- mitted that "unidentified aircraft dropped bombs in Yulin Harbour on February 25" but claimed that no damage was done,

that at

It is alleged, however, least three Japanese warships were hit, but the extent of damage:

AKEROYD WHO, ACCORDING. Paradise for bombed caused was not ascertainable. Im- WAS CARRYING OUT HIS DU- families is a rest centre mediately after dropping their TIES IN ONE OF A FORMATION run by Friends' Ambul- haste to return to their base with bombs, the Chinese aircraft made ATTACK AN ENEMY CAMP. · ance unit members and Japanese anti-aircraft guns blaz- Approaching the target, the Sisters of St. Anne in ing furiously away at the depart-

OF AIRCRAFT DETAILED TO

formation was attacked by

six

enemy fighters and Akeroyd was Surrey - square,. London, wounded in the finger. Later he S.E. was hit in the right arm and fin- ally in the stomach.

ing machines.

This is the second time that Chinese aircraft have bombed Ja- Soldiers spend their leave there panese warships off Hainan Island. with their bombed-out families-Our Own Correspondent.

In spite of his injuries he re- and return confident that their! turned the fire at every opportun-wives and children are being well

ity.

€

His wireless set was smashed cared for.

and when the attackers had been driven off he crawled forward and informed the pilot of his injuries and the extent of damage to the aircraft. He displayed great cour- age and fortitude throughout.— British Wireless.

ARREST OF BRITISH SYMPATHISERS

there is little Lilian Coles.

Typical of the happy children

Lilian, whole eleven," heard that the King and Queen were In the district. She dashed to the | end of the square to welcome

"DO PEOPLE STEAL BIBLES ?"

them... but the car went.down When William Edward Smith, a

the Old Kent-road and Lillan ran back to the centre almost In tears..

We've got this lovely place here and they never called to see it she said to an official. "I wish

A total of 240 people in Ru- they could have seen how happy mania, suspected of working for we all are. British interests, have been, ur- rested, and placed in a concentra- tion camp, near Targujlu, states a

telegram to the official German news agency

labourer, was charged at a London police court with being in posses- sion of a family Bible, supposed to have been stolen or obtained unlawfully, the magistrate (Mr. Frank Powell) said, "People don't usually steal Bibles, do they?"

"I must write to the King and remand on bail for a week without `tell him what he missed.”

And she diday

Sixty of the arrests were mado Mrs. Horton, who stays at the

Pe Hollander, who asked for a

offering any evidence, said that Smith was engaged “on-de- molition=-work, and had stated that the Bible was given to him by

in Bucharest,, and Greeks, Turks, centre with her little daughter, another workman. Armenians and Humanlans, are Margaret, said: "We're made to stated to be among those arrested. feel properly at home, Everyone. Smith,

Reuter

has been sweet to us

coloured man, was remanded on ball for a week,