It has been the intention of the japanese Government to localize the Sino-Japanese conflict and to bring about ultimately closer and better relations with China. However, with the situation aggravated by China to such an extent as it is, we deem it imperative that a safety zone should be established in and around Shanghai, and that all causes of future trouble should be removed once and for all."
This statement was made by Vice-Admiral Kiyoshi Hasegawa, Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Japanese Fleet in Chinese waters, in the course of an interview with Reuter on board the flagship Idzumo.
The Idzumo was at the. time anchored in midstream, less than half a mile down-river from her former position alongside the Japanese Consulate-General. Anti-aircraft gun-crews were at their posts ready to defend the slug against hostile air-
Sincere's Disaster Deplored Deploring the catastrophe which had visited Sincere's, the Admiral emphasized that no responsibility rested with the Japanese.
"At the time of the tragedy," he said, "no firing was being done by any of our naval vessels either at Woosung or further up-river, nor were any of the Japanese guns on shore firing.
Chinese bombers and guns have been firing indiscriminately, he continued. "Only this morning (Mon-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.