Must Respond Correetly to Japanese Naval Signals Shanghai, Nov, 25.
All British merchant ships_must readily and correctly reply" to. the signals of a Japanese man-of-war. [British shipping companies are warned by Mr. Herbert Phillips, H.M. Consul JGeneral, -Admiral Sir Charles Lituc, Commander-in-Chief of the China Fleet, has informed the British Con sulate-General that his attention has been drawn to a case in which British" merchant "ship did not respond correctly to the signals of 2 Japanese man-of-war, Hence. MY Phillips repeats the' warning" British companies The British Gover Phillips points out, has agreed Japanese' warships may commu with or board British merchant ships order to verify the right ship to fly the British flag: the Brit ship must therefore comply: with such requirements without hesitation oF reasoning why.
If it Is considered that a Japanese warship has exceeded Its rights "or has interfered unnecessarily with the ship, early representations should be Jmade to the British naval authorities, Mr. Phillips continues. If 3 Brilish warship isin the vicinity this may modify the' situation, but Jdoes not affect the necessity for Jcompliance with Japanese requests in the rst place.
Mr. Phillips has, therefore, asked all companies to impress on the mast-Jers of all their ships the importance fof complying with these requirements, emphasizes that in view of the serious consequences that might result to British shipping generally {from the failure of one ship to follow these instructions masters "must understand that personal feelings should not be allowed to enter into {the question."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.