It is to be noped that the latest categorical denials of the latest versions of the rumours, regarding the Barnby Mission will be accep! ed as conclusive. Once again it pointed out that that Mission has no political significance and 10 official support. Its members seem to have Leen most unlucky in being subjected to exceptional attention from distorters of their casual utter ances. The official dementis will therefore be welcomed by Lord Barnby and his colleagues with 2 feeling of distinct relief. Linked up with this orgy of conjecture and ill-timed rumour, have been hints of an early British recognition of Manchoukuo and also of a proposed Angle-Japanese revival. This journal has already clearly pointed out the fundamental misconceptions of bot canards. The statements issued today reinforce its position and shoul be noted accordingly.
When the Ist Destroyer Flotilla reaches the China Station in relief of the sth Destroyer Flotilla which came here first in 1927, an old friend will return here. For FIRNS, Duncan, the new flotilla leader, is commond-ed by Captain H. T. Baillie-Grohman who was formerly head of the British Naval Mission to China from 1931-83 and has lately been with the Naval clude eight destroyers of the Defender class, thus giving the China Station new destroyers in place of the present obsolete types which were laid down in the last year of the Great War. The Ist Flotilla was at its home ports at the beginning of this month, refitting and recommissioning for' its impending journey the Far East,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.