In January 1940 HMS Liverpool intercepted the Japanese liner Asama Maru within aircraft range of Japan. The cruiser jammed the liner's communications and removed German merchant seamen trying to return home. The incident provoked Japanese anger and a dispute over its legality. Japan's high command nevertheless had to admit that individual merchant ships could not be protected from British cruisers. Britain promised not to repeat the action, but one liner had already been found and stopped close to Japan without the Japanese fleet preventing it.
Notable Point · 38:11-39:47
HMS Liverpool and the Asama Maru interception
Liverpool's interception of a Japanese liner close to Japan advertised the reach of British economic warfare.