London, Dec, 16, Contending that the Terukuni Maru didn't hit-a British mine before it sank off the eastern coast of England on November 21, a formal British reply. to Japanese requests for an investigation of the sinking was handed to Mr, Mamoru Shigemitsu, Japanese "Ambassador to Britain, last night, The reply was given after the British carefully examined the place of the disaster, The British state= ment reiterated previous British statements that Great Britain was not responsible for the sinking of the Japanese vessel, 'The British note said that the: British" Government had always. given notice, in accordance with International' taw, when mechanical mines were tid. and that the Brit-
Tanner, who spoke in Russian, asked M. Mojotov to broadcast a reply. Whether he was prepared to resume "IE no answer comes, or the answer Ix in the negative," he added, "the world will know what value to Set on Russian principles and promises."
'M. Tanner reeatied that during the Soviel-Finnish negotiations, M. Molotov stated that the sole purpose of the Soviet's territorial demands was secure Russia, particularly Lenin-rad, against eventual attacks by a nied Power, Was this M, Molotov's true purpose? the Finnish Foreiin Minister asked.
Ish had not laid' mines in the vieing ly of the scene of the Terukuni Maru disaster, Later, Mr. Shigemitsu called Lord Halifas, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. During]
30-minute conference they dis cussed the proposed British blockade against German exports, Reich Leaders Deny Peace Intentions Berne, Dec. 19.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.