AMERICA UNEASY

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 118, 21 May 1928, Page 9

AMERICA UNEASY

JAPAN IN MANCHURIA CLAIMS NOT RECOGNISED NEW YOEK, 20th May. The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times" says that an atmosphere of uneasiness' is evident in official circles to-day over the course taken by Japan in asserting a predominating influence in Manchuria, through its warning to both the Southern and the Northern factions to avoid the spreading of "unrest." .:'■' ',' ■■:.Z- ---, The Secretary of State, Mr. F. B. Kellogg, has: made the following observations:— The United States has never recognised any special claim by Japan to that region, and has always considered Manchuria as Chinese territory, although not denying the legal ownership by Japan of the lease of the South Mancjiurian railway. The American Government has not taken' up any position regarding the assumption by Japan of power, to exclude the Chinese Government from Manchuria. The United States at present is not called upon to do so. Japan. did not consult the American Government regarding its action, and there has been no communication between the American and other Governments regarding the steps taken by Japan, and lacking knowledge of Japan's ultimate aims it was held inadvisable further to discuss the situation, but attention is called to the nine-Power Treaty, to which Japan is a signatory, agreeing to respeet:the sovereignty of China and to . provide the fullest opportunity for China to develop and establish equal commercial and industrial opportun-, . ity for all nations in China.