Tokyo, Aug. 10.
Indubitable proof of an attempt to temper. with the Japanese Tokyo-Bangkok mail plane Matsukaze which was forced down near Hanoi shortly after taking off on August 1 was revealed by the pilot of the plane, Mr. Sumitoshi Nakao. and the Aeronautics Bureau of the Ministry of Communications, it was stated here today.
The official announcement stated that about 55 litters of muddy water, which had been put into the No, 1 petrol tank of the mail plane while being refuelled at Hanoi, were responsible for the mishap of the forced landing. The culprit is unknown.
The official announcement was based on the report of the pilot who told the press in an interview today that the muddy water must have been put in while the Japanese crew were off duty during the brief halt to refuel at Hanoi.
The French authorities, it will be recalled, have now undertaken to provide a special guard to meet all Japanese mail planes on the Japan-Thailand service.—Domei.
Canada Cancels French Wheat Order Vichy, Aug. 10. Canada cancelled the French order for 100,000 bushels of wheat for immediate delivery, it was learned today.—United Press.
Beyond any doubt, the correspondent declares, the Japanese regard this as a polite formula, preparing the way for military occupation and eveniue! annexation of the whole of Indo-China. Officially, the Japanese have not presented an ultimatum; unofficially, they are hinting that unless the French give way, they will use force.
It may be taken that the German and Italian Governments will advise Marshal Petain to comply with the Japanese demands, and quickly, the correspondent adds.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.