Protection to be Afforded Chinese Property tending to besmirch the good name of the Japanese military units will be stopped by the censors."
"Were these reports malicious' and ungubstantiated'?—Yes.!"
Mhe correspondent said that the reports were "substantiated" and that there could be no question of "malice," as the information came from sources which were as fair as could be found anywhere.
"That is a matier of viewpoint!" replied the spokesman, "Or private sources," was the reply of the correspondent.—"They were friends of mine. These were reports from eye-witnesses who gave chapter and verse for every statement they made,"
The spokesman suggested that no eye-witness could be found to give "such numbers as you have named." The correspondent said that such eyewitnesses could be found in Nanking.
"Nothing to Add"
Asked by another correspondent if, apart from all personalities and names already mentioned, some sort of a statement as to the situation in Nanking could be given, the spokesman saidi—"The spokesmen on several Occasions have given reports on the situation in Nanking. At the present moment, there is no! to add to such reports and our general impression is that conditions in Nanking are rapidly returning to normal."
Asked later by a c ut it permission could be for one or two foreign correspondents to visit Nanking the spokesman said that no civilians were allowed to visit the fallen capital, owing to "military requirements."
Tokyo, Jan. 21.
Regarding ihe treatment to be accorded Chinese diplomatic and consular organs in Japan, a statement issued by the Foreign Office to-day declares that it is the intention of the Japanese Government to act on the following. principles:
1. Diplomatic and. consular oficials of the Chiang Kai-shek Government, in Japan, who are leaving for home, will be extended all diplomatic. and consular privileges, and their persons and property will receive full protection until they leave.
2. The Japanese Government will continue to accord those Chinese officials who remain that protection of their persons and properties which has hitherto been enjoyed.
3. Even after the withdrawal of the Chinese diplomatic and consular officials, the Japanese authorities will give protection to the Chinese Embassy and consulate buildings without trespassing thereon.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.