It is understood that Mr. Arita also expressed the hope that foreign Governments would take all possible precautions' against the "machinations of the Chiang Kai-shek regime," designed, it was alleged, to involve them in the Sino-Japanese war.
He concluded by asking foreign diplomatic representatives to recall the Note addressed to them by the Premier, Prince Konoye, on October 12 last year, in connection with the prevention of untoward incidents in the present hostilities.
There have been no international complications as a result of the Japanese occupation of Swatow, Rear-Admiral Kanazawa, Chief of the Publicity Bureau, of the Admiralty, told foreign correspondents today.
This, he added, was because the location of third Power property had been ascertained beforehand, and every precaution had been taken by the Japanese forces. Asked why the occupation of Swatow had been postponed until the present, Rear-Admiral Kanazawa said that it had teen delayed simply for strategical reasons.
He pointed out the necessity of using large forces at the start of operations on the mainland.—Reuter. WOO" Ships Asked to Leave Hongkong, June 22.
The Japanese naval authorities have requested all third Power ships, including warships, to evacuate Swatow harbour before 1 pum. today.
Two British steamers, the Yin chow and the Prominent, are eva-enating British women and children, and also those of other nationalities, desirous of leaving Swatow.
The two ships are due to leave this afternoon, as serious fighting is expected in the city due to a Chinese counter-attack, Foreign warships in Swatow at present are the British destroyer Thanet and the American destroyer Pillsbury. The Thanet is definitely not leaving, as the British naval authorities announce that she will remain in Swatow to look after the interests of British nationals, It is understood that the Pillsbury will also remain.
It is reliably learnt here that the American gunboat Ashville is proceeding to Swatow tomorrow. The British destroyer, Scout, is at present lying outside Swatow, prepared to join H.M.S. Thanet if, and when necessary.
The Japanese claim that, under the cover of a destroyer flotilla in Swatow harbour, they effected a landing today on a stretch of ground adjacent to the China Merchants Company wharf. They also claim to have taken over the Customs and the air base in Swatow.
Meanwhile, the British steamer Prominent left Swatow at 1 o'clock this afternoon with 70 women and children evacuees. She is due in Hongkong at dawn tomorrow.
The Yingchow, also a British steamer, is remaining in Swatow in case of further evacuation—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.