Washington, Dec. 25.
HE United States Government to-day accepted Japan's apologies over the bombing and sinking of the U.S.S. Panay, but simultaneously issued a stern warning against repetition.
The note, written by Mr. Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, seemed to close the long diplom: atic negotiations, except for the formality of ascertaining indemnities and collecting the same.
Japan's statements regarding her actions and reassurances that similar incidents will be avoided in the future were accepted but her claims that the Panay a!
Mack was purely accidental and unintentional, were rejected. Mr.
Hull said he preferred to believe the formal findings of the U.S. N: aval Court of Inquiry.
With regard to the facts on the original causes and circumstances of the incident, the Japanese note of December 24 indicates the conclusion at which the Japanese Government, as a result of its investigation, arrived, said the note.
As regards the same matters, the Government of the United States relies on the report of the findings of the Court of Inquiry of the United States Navy, which have been communicated officially to the Japanese Government, the note said.
"It is the earnest hope of the Government of the United States that the steps which the Japanese Government has taken will prove effective toward preventing any further attacks upon or unlawful interference by the Japanese authorities or forces, with 'American nationals' interests or property in China."
The note expressed satisfaction with the promptness of the Japanese no: on December 14 admitting re:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.