15 Dec 1937
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Dec 15, 1937
Page
1
Reports from London and New York describe joint consultations by British and American governments over attacks on ships in China. Roosevelt and Hull press Japan for regret and compensation while officials note Panay was outside the war zone. Vice Admiral Hasegawa faces possible relief amid questions over young officers' discipline.
Senators Pittman Reynolda Borah and Ashurst condemn Japanese aggression in China and demand punishments and withdrawals. The New York Times brands guarantees against repeats as worthless while the New York Herald Tribune notes Tokyo’s failure to discipline the army and navy.
In London on Tuesday Foreign Minister Anthony Eden disclosed in the House of Commons that Britain and the United States were conferring over attacks on ships in China. He noted Japan had apologized and promised a full inquiry, and urged no further questions at the present stage amid the delicate situation. Eden spoke with the Prime Minister and then with the American charge d affaires after inquiries, as Tokyo’s Foreign Minister Hirota met with British officials.
Washington officials say only an apology from the Japanese Emperor and assurances of measures to prevent a repeat of recent actions will satisfy Roosevelt. The move would involve Japan’s General Staff and High Naval Command, signaling a major loss of faith in Japan and drawing the Emperor into global affairs. Britain is expected to back any US action or take similar steps.
Tokyo responds to the Panay sinking with protests and promises of responsibility. High officials express shock and urge discipline, while apology statements are issued for HM S Ladybird and the Panay incident. Details are reportedly suppressed in newspapers.
Survivors of the Panay are aboard the oil tanker and being landed by HMS Bee while the ship searches Hanshan Island area for eight more wounded and exposed refugees. The Oahu aids the operation as Japanese officials promise safe passage to Shanghai for survivors and dead, with two Japanese flying boats delivering doctors nurses and food to Hoshien amid cold and shelling.
Four RAF personnel died when a Handley Page bomber crashed in flames at Stopham Bridge Sussex. The fuselage and crew were so charred that identification was impossible. Villagers heard a terrific explosion and found wreckage with the propeller 180 yards away. The heat prevented recovery, and only a parachute fragment identified the aircraft. A British Airways plane from Paris, landing at Croydon in a storm, struck a hangar causing minor injuries to two passengers and a wireless operator.
Dudley Lorraine O'Brien a 22 year old baker was remanded to Newtown Police Court on Thursday next on the charge of murdering his wife Margrethe O'Brien at Liverpool on November 23. The Police Prosecutor said the inquest would be held on Thursday and bail was applied for.
Darwin officials move to act on the Payne Commission proposals to delegate broader powers to the Administrator Br Abbott. He said he had been asked by the Government to report on recommendations as community sections back the Commission findings, especially tariff conclusions and tax abolition.
Ambassador voices regret for firing on British vessels as British officials note no sanction by formal quarters. Reports suggest disarray in Japanese forces and caution against a Pacific naval demonstration due to time, distance, and risk to European strength, including the Mediterranean.
Search for survivors continues in Shanghai as HMS Bee departs to rescue Panay survivors. Five more men were picked up at midnight. The British community suggests a joint British and American naval demonstration off the China coast to pressure Japan to stop attacks.
Geneva report shows global armament spending reached £2.4 billion in 1937, up from £2.016 billion in 1936. The numbers include 8.5 million men permanently under arms, versus 6 million in 1913, per League of Nations Armament Year Book.
A new Chinese capital is set up at Chunking in Szechwan as Japan declares a provisional government replacing the Nanking regime. Peiping named capital of East Hopei, linked to Shansi Henan North Shantung autonomous councils. Fighting south of Peiping continues. Japanese build a costly Kwantung naval base at Kimoi Inland, Hongkong reports.
A Hankow communique reports Nanking fell after 26 hours of street fighting. Japanese forces crossed canals, stormed the Chungshan Gate, and bombarded the Chinese positions. By 5 p.m. the capital’s defense collapsed, with ships sinking 1000 Chinese and remnant forces fleeing toward the Blue Mountains. Chiang Kai-shek reportedly ordered withdrawal to Chunking, while national resistance stiffened elsewhere.
Police watch for a killer of John Dickens age 54 after he was shot Saturday night. Detec tives say the suspect could be nearby as roads are guarded and a man tried to catch a train to Melbourne. A rifle purchase was reported and a man was seen walking from Ber rigan toward Finley then returning.
Imperial Airways flying boat Centaurus leaves Singapore for Batavia at 6.30 am en route to Australia and New Zealand. The crew includes a steward, BJ, as it advances toward Australis and New Zealand.
Berne dispatch reports the Swiss Federal Council will remain neutral and stay in the League despite Italy's withdrawal talk. Berlin papers say the League’s prominence has faded, described as Versailles’ synthetic child or a corpse in Europe’s house. Vienna notes denial from Pint and Palmer figures about withdrawal.
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