Tokyo, June 23, Commenting on the fall of Swatow, the "Japan Times" said today that one of the objects of the Japanese occupation must be the throttling of trade through Swatow as a blow to "what remains of the economic system of South China."
"Another object in all likelihood," the paper said, "is to create a new base for land operations to be extended inland.
"This part of China had been left intact because of its relatively lesser importance from a general strategic point of view. It seems almost evident that Japanese forces landed there in ce-operation with those at Canton and Nanchang in one direction and those descending from the north will usher in a new order over that part of South China which extends from Hangchow down to Canton and from Swatow and perhaps other points on the seaboard to Nanchang.
"This area, even if not so important from a strategic point of view in the past, must form a definite unit in a national structure that will be brought forth over the area under Japanese control. Geographically it ought to be a unit no less important than other parts going through re. construction, Economically it is destined perhaps to be one of the most important units in a new China that will no doubt result from the present far-flung hostilities."—Domei.
Blockade Not Recognized Complete Misconception Hongkong, June 23. The British Naval authorities here have advised British shipping companies to recommence sailings to Swatow, in spite of the Japanese request that no foreign ships should enter the port, The blockade has not been recognized by the British authorities. The British destroyer Thanet and the destroyer Scout are remaining in the harbour in order to ensure that there is no interference with British ships.
Two American Warships, the U.SS. Pillsbury and the U.S. Pope, are also standing by, while the USS. Asheville is proceeding to Kulangsu today, but is prepared to divert to Swatow should the necessity arise.
When. Reuter boarded the British steamer Prominent on her arrival here this morning, it was found that dnly: two British women and one American woman and three children had been evacuated from Swatow There were, however, 300 Chinese evacuees aboard, some of whom were British subjects.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.