An officer of the Japanese Naval Landing Party refused to permit two. riot vans of the SMP. Reserve Unit to cross the Gartien Bridge at 3.50 p.m, yesterday afternoon, after they had been ordered to proceed to the Ward Road plant of the Yee Tsoong Tobacco Ca, notwithstanding the fact that during the noon hour arrangements had been made between the Japanese Naval Landing Party Headquarters and officials of the Shanghsi Municipal Police.
The police were informed earlier yesterday that the workers in the tobacco were contemplating a strike and that negotiations were being commenced at 3 pin. While there was every reason to believe that the dispute would be amicably settled, it was held possible that in the event of no settlement being reached, the workmen might get out of hand.
In view of the fact that the effectives stationed in police stations North of the Creek have been at a minimum for some time, it was decided to hold the Reserve Unit ready for any even-triality. In order to prevent delays, high officials of the S.M.P. contacted the Japanese authorities and arranged that the Reserve Unit should be sent over in case of need. It was furthermore agreed that while the SALP. officers would intervene in the factory itself, the Japanese Naval Landing Party would keep law and order outside of the. premises.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.