AIDING CHINA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22960, 11 February 1938, Page 11

AIDING CHINA

FOREIGN_LEGION JAPANESE STORY * BATTLE OF LUNGHAI BIG DEVELOPMENT r 1 'EECAPTUEE OF WUHU By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received B'ebruary 10, 5.5 p.m.) Times Cable LONDON. Feb. :L0 The Peking correspondent of the Times says tho Japanese military authorities assert that a Foreign Legion is fighting for China. They say it consists of 315 Russians, 1132 Americans, 124 Frenchmen, 55

British and five others. Of these men 550 are air pilots and anti-air-

craft gunners. The Shanghai correspondent of the same newspaper says the battle of Lunghai. is developing on a front of 400 miles. Tho Japanese, it is estimated, are employing eight main armies.

A message from Hankow says the Chinese announco that they have recaptured Wuhu, also Kaocheng, on the Hwai River,. by means of a surprise attack.

BRITISH ATTITUDE fIIDFOR UNITED STATES r DENIAL BY MR. HULL N (Received Febroary 10, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. Feb. 9 Professor Gilbert Murray, addressing the National Liberal Association,/ said: "I have reason to believe that Britain has assured the American Government that she is ready to support it immediately in any action it may take in respect of Japan, and will face any risk."

A message from "Washington states that the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordcll Hull, comrtienting on Professor Murray's statement, said he had not heard such assurances from Britain or any other country.

NAVAL TONNAGE DEMANDS TO JAPAN REJECTION LIKELY (Received February 11, 12.5 a.m.) LONDON. Feb. 10 A message from Tokio says it is ■emi-officially announced that after tho meeting between the Minister of the Navy and the Prime Minister Japan will definitely reject the British, French and American "unreasonable inquiry" regarding naval construction. A reply to the three Notes will be delivered on Friday simultaneously, and the issue of a statement will clarify Japan's attitude. Mr. Noda said: "Although the Government is still considering the procedure of answering the three Powers' inquiry' into our naval plans, Japan has not changed her position whatever since she left the London Conference. Japan sticks to the formula of a common upper limit, both quantitatively 'and qualitatively, and is likely to join a future conference if that is the basis." • I

Ho said the three Powers signed the qualitative pact as if accomplishing something, yet scarcely a year after ratification they had already started quantitative expansion, whjle the position qualitatively was uncertain, proving that Japan's proposal was fairer. He added:—

"If wo give the desired information it would bind us qualitatively, which is unfair, while, if we do not give it, it appears that others would make a pretext for expansion on the imaginary ground that Japan was expanding.

"Countries with smaller resources need greater secrecy, due more to the necessity to build special classes of warBhips suitable' to defend security."

He reiterated the policy of nonttenace and non-aggression, and said: — "Japan has no idea of starting a race, but if the expansion of others menaces pur security we shall not sit idle.'"

DIPLOMAT'S RETURN

f w NO PEACE PROPOSALS"

TORTURE OF' CHINESE HANKOW, Feb. 9 "I have not brought peace proposals from the Japanese Government. Even if the request was made, I would refuse to comply," said Mr. Hsu Shih-ying, Chinese Ambassador to Tokio, after his arrival following his recall to China on the severance of diplomatic relations.

"Many Japanese, not desiring war, called at the Embassy before my departure, and expressed tjieir belief that a war would weaken both countries," he added. "I am convinced that this war may do worse —destroy both nations.

"Many Chinese nationals in Japan Were arrested and tortured. The president of tlio Chinese Residents' Association for Gumma, was tortured to death," added the Ambassador.

{ FRIENDS OF JAPAN ROME, Fob. 0 The Government has created a subsidised organisation called "Friends of Japan," with the object of furthering Cultural exchanges between the two countries.