Mines Unheeded; Journey Made in Safety 1
Canton, Nov. 3.
In spite of repeated warnings from. the Japanese mat the Pearl River Delta was full of mines and that any foreign ships venturing to move at ihe present time in the area did so at considerable risk, the British gunboat Cicala lett Canton yesterday and has now safely arrived at Kongmoon, 1t 18 reliably reported.
The Cicala received her first orders. to sail to Kongmoon, about 25 miles from Canton by river, on Sunday morning. Hostihties were reported to be threatening the port and it was decided' that a British gunboat should be sent there to protect any British lives or property that might be one. dangered.
As soon as she had proceeded four miles down river from Canton, the Cicala was requested to halt by the Japanese naval authorities on the grounds that "the river was closed by the Japanese authorities.'
After referring the matter to the Senior, Naval Officer in the West. River, the Cicala replied that no notification to this effect had been received, and that, therefore, the British authorities did not recognize the Japanese request to halt, Ship Politely Boarded The Japanese then lowered a boat and boarded the British gunboat. They politely explained that it was exceedingly dangerous for the Cicala to proceed down river owing to the presence of mines.
The Cicala thereupon dropped anchor, while the issue was referred to higher authorities.
Yesterday morning, after negotia tions in which the Japanese reiterated their warning against mines, the Cicala received her final orders to proceed to Kongmoon as originally planned.
When making this decision the British accepted full responsibility for. the risk of danger by mines.
The Cicala duly left at approximately midday yesterday. It is re bably learned that she has now reached Kongmoon without incident,—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.