The diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily "Telegraph" says to-day that the first British reactions to the Japanese reply are to note that Japan's version of the Wuhu incidents differs from the well-authenticated version stated in the British range.
The Scarab, with the hulk in tow, and the Cricket, with a lighten in tow, followed up river, and anchored eight miles above Nanking. They rejoined the remainder of the ships at a point two miles above Hsiasanshan, The A.P.C. s. Tienkwang was hit in the shelling, sustaining twelve small holes above the water line. The A.P.C. s. Wokwang was hit by several shells, and one Chinese was wounded. The Jardines hulk was damaged and two Chinese were killed in à sampan alongside, The s. Whangpu's port lifeboat was holed, and the superstructure slightly damaged.
Panay Steams By Note to Japan on December 16. The Japanese version is not accepted.
Nevertheless, the correspondent continues, it is observed that Tokyo has sought to give the assurances demanded by Britain, both regarding disciplinary measures towards the Japanese officers responsible and guarantees against future repetitions.
This is regarded as satisfactory, and much now depends on the efficacy Of the steps ordered by Tokyo and the readiness of the commanders on the' spot to carry them out.
"Phe Times" Comment There is nothing unexpected about the Japanese reply to the British Government's protest says "The Times" in a leader to-day. Immediately the Japanese Note was handed to Sir Robert Craigie, and before it was in the hands of his Government, the Japanese Services, it says, made public their own version.
The diplomatic procedure—which the Japanese Army and Navy saw fit to adopt does not correspond with the recognized methods in use between governments, the journal continues.
There is, it declares, a certain irony and perhaps significance in the affairs: the Japanese Government give far-reaching assurances to Great Britain of the correct behaviour of the Japanese Fighting Services in the future, and, before the words are out of their mouths, the Services are guilty jof a grave discourtesy to the Britist! Ambassador and to the British Government.
This, "The Times" goes on, will not improve the atmosphere in which the British Ministers are considering the Note, but the guarantees it offers are impressive, and no one will complain if the British Government, as seems likely, decides to accept them and await events.—Reuter.
On December 12, the ill-fated US. E Panay passed by the Cricket, her commander announced that she was going to an anchorage some 23 y miles above Nanking to escape the. shelling. Shortly afterwards, a number of junks and lighters containing Japanese troops and five field guns began landing operations close to the Cricket, and one gun was landed, trained on the British gunboat. Five armed motor launches then encircled the concentration, and a Japanese officer shouted to the commander of one of the British ships, "Don't be afraid, we are not going tp hurt you." Satisfied with the bona fides of the British ships, the landing party proceed down river.
At 1.25 pin. three small Japanese planes approached from down river, passed oven the concentration, and started a dive-bombing attack. It was difficult for any orders to be given on board the Cricket, owing to the roar of the attacking planes, but several rounds were fired from Lewis guns on board the two gunboats. The planes dived three times, and eight bombs were dropped from about 1000 feet. The raid lasted for about four minutes, and the planes then disappeared down river. The bombs were 20 to 30 Ib. each. j All foreigners were removed from the hulk and from the Whangpu to the Cricket, and the concentration spread out over a wider area in the river. At 230 pin., three medium sized bombers appeared overhead in "V" formation at a height of 7,000 feet. Fire was withheld by the British gunboats on purpose until tae bombs fell, in order not to precipitate a second attack. Six bombs, heavier than those used in the first attack, weighing between 50 to 75 Ib. each, were dropped on to the concentration, and the Cricket replied with one ibree-inch shell. The planes then disappeared.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.