Evening star., 1938-02-13

Al Tie CIRCUMSTANCES SI&Ueo ABOVE
If there were cases Of japanese SOL
diers at Hangchow entering by mis-
take houses owned by nationals of
third powers. the purpose Of such en-
try was either the requisition of food
or search for remnants Of Chinese
troops as q necessary measure Incl
dent to the conduct Of military op.
erations.
Military authorities as 4 result of
rigid investigation have discovered
no evidence to show that anything
whatever other than foodstufIs had
been removed from these houses.
Protest is made in your excellency's
note on the part Of the United States
Government on the ground that they
had received reports alleging that
there occurred improper acts on the
part Of japanese soldiers toward
American nags. Deeming it greatly
regrettable, II indeed there have been
such occurrences, the Japanese au-
thorities on the spot are requesting
American authorities in Shanghai and
Nanking to submit concrete data on
these cases, and have been conducting
thorough-going investigations regard
ing the matter.
Flag Incident Explained.
With reference to the report that on
December l3 Japanese soldiers at
Wuhu pulled down and threw into the
Yangtze River an American nag from
Chinese boat belonging to the
American-owned General Hospital at
Wuhu, investigations have been made
among the troops which were in that
city at the time of the reported Incl
dent, and as q result it has been
established that no Japanese soldiers
either had been involved in or were
aware of the occurrence of an incident
Of this sort.
Besides, an American connected
with said hospital is reported to have
stated that although he had, in cir
cumstances then existing. presumed
the case to be due to an act of Jap
anese soldiers, he had by no means
actually witnessed facts such as the
throwing Of an American nag into the
river
OF these facts, I believe, your ex-
cellency is aware since they already
have been communicated to the
American Consul General in Shanghai
by the japanese Consul General.
Authorities have been earnestly con-
ducting further investigations in other
places than Wuhu, but so far no evi-
dence has been found. The japanese
government, with q view especially
of bringing home to the minds Of all
troops the importance Of respecting
the American national emblem, have
ordered their instructions in that re-
gard to be transmitted to every unit
in China.
Adequate Measures Studied.
In view of the circumstances stated
above the Japanese government are
studying how they can elaborate ef-
fective and adequate measures that
can as soon as possible be put in force
50 as to put q definite stop to any
occurrance of similar events.
Meanwhile, they have taken in ad-
dition to the various measures already
in force, other steps including firstly.
the dispatch to the spot Of higher
officer from Toxic in order to insure
full execution Of instructions men
toned above; secondly, the stationing
of special officers at important points
in China to take charge of matters
relating to the rights and interests of
third powers; and thirdly, reinforce
ment of military police IN China.
I beg your excellency to convey to
your government the earnest intention
of the Japanese government as stated
above to devote their best efforts
toward preventing any recurrence Of
these incidents in the future.
avail myself Of this opportunity to
renew to your excellency the assur-
ance of my highest consideration.