Of Well Known Vessel London, May 25, A request that firm measures be taken to prevent the possibility of a recurrence is contained in the vigorous protest lodged today by Admiral S.r Percy Noble, Commander-in-Chief of the China Station, in con-ection with the stopping and board-ug of the P. & O. liner Ranpura by the Japanese near Hongkong yesterday, according to reports current in London, The protest is said to point out that the procedure to verify the flag of a. ship, which was agreed upon some time ago, only permits the boarding of ships flying the British flag when there is reason to doubt their nationality.
As the Ranpura has been engaged for some years between Japanese and British ports, the protest adds, no such doubt could conceivably exist it her case.
Consequently, Sir Percy Noble asks for an explanation of the incident and requests that firm measures be taken to prevent the possibility of a recurrence.
A Japanese destroyer stopped the Hanpura near Waglan Ligthouse, outside the entrance to Hongkong, yesterday morning, after which three Japanese officers boarded the vessel and, despite strong protests from the captain, examined her papers.
The party is said to have remained aboard for 20 minutes, and, according to passengers, only left on the arrival of the British destroyer Duchess.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.