Nanking Accuses Japanese of Sheltering Behind Others:
Responsibility for Accidents Refused Madame Chiang "Kalshek Nanking, Aug. 16, the ilaptao of Mrs. Thode also expressed the it by China at the ted by the states adhere Nanking, Aug. 19, 'The Chinese military' authorities to-day requested all "foreign war! ships and merchant vessels Shanghai to move to a distance of at Yeast five nautical miles away from any Japanese warships, filing which the Chinese military authorities would request the Powers concerned to make Japanese warships move away from foreign warships and merchant "vessels t6 a similar distance.
Tg neither request is complied with vii thin twelve" hours the Chinese Government, it 1s declared, will not assume any responsibility' for any' damage caused to the war craft or merchant ships of third countries during engagements of the Chinese alr force, or any other forces, with Japanese warships.
Since the outbreak of hostilities at Shanghai, it s explained, Japanese warships operating there have often sought shelter from Chinese artillery ira and aerial bombardment by taking up positions in'close proximi= ty to warships and merchant vessels of third countries.
It is olhted out that the Japanese warships statloned~in such positions. where they are comparatively safe due to the careful attention which the Chinese fighting services have be giving to the security of foreign. fives and property, have hitherto. been most active in shelling Chinese positions in Chapel and Kiangwan, "Such tactless on the part of Japanese naval units" it is added, "have aroused the most contempt trious comments in Chinese military: circles, where it is also emphasized
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