FAR EAST CRISIS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 41, 28 November 1941, Page 5

FAR EAST CRISIS

UNITED STATES POLICY.

BASIC PRINCIPLES ENUNCIATED.

TRANSMITTED TO JAPANESE. (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, Nov. 27. When Mr Cordell Hull, the United States Secretary of State, has his next meeting with Mr Kurusu, Japan’s special envoy to the United States, and Admiral Nomura, the Japanese-Ambas-sador, it may be possible to say whether there are prospects of reaching a real basis for negotiations between Japan and the United States. It is not yet known how far Japan is prepared to go toward even a temporary agreement between the two countries.

Mr Hull last night handed the Japanese representatives a communication which is described in some, quarters as a note and in others as a-docu-ment. There have been many reports and much speculation on the contents of the communication, but no confirmation of them. A spokesman for the United States State Department said the document was based on principles' previously enunciated by the Administration. ‘ ' : '- - ■ , The United Press of America describes the communication as a “plan dealing with the Far Eastern crisis.” It says that while no immediate explanation of the proposals is forthcoming, it is assumed that they envisage a “breathing spell” in the Far East to permit further time to discuss mutual problems. The Associated Press of America describes the document as a “blueprint for peace in the Pacific, based on the doctrine of non-aggression _ which Mr . Hull has preached for years.” . The agency says its reception is regarded as uncertain. Japanese “Strong for Peace.” „• ■' t Mr Kurusu and Admiral Nomura conferred with Mr Hull for 75 minutes and emerged smiling but silent. As he arrived at the State Department, Admiral Nomura told reporters: “We are strong for peace.” Mr Kurusu denied that he had received special instructions from Tokio, and he declined to comment on a report that he was preparing to return. He reminded his questioners of the three Japanese monkeys who see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Discussing rumours claiming that Mr Hull’s document leads to high hopes for a settlement, and other rumours that Chinese opposition to an agreement between Japan and America threatens to wreck the negotiations, a high diplomatic informant told the Associated Press of America that Mr Hull presented the Japanese with a statement of basic policy in the Pacific rather than a series of. specific proposals. The informant added that it was still too early to say whether the talks would succeed or fail, andall estimates on this point must be regarded merely as guesses. The agency says it is undcrstood that the United States offered Japan a for--, nvula based on Mr. Hull's, declaration in 1937, of the following principles: (1) The maintenance of peace; (2) abstinence from the use of force; (3) adjustment of international problems by peaceful negotiation and agreement. First Phase Complet'd, The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says the document marks the completion of the first phase of the negotiations leaving everything depending on. the Japanese attitude. iChina’s view differs from that of the other A.B.C.D. Powers in so far as she does not want concessions to Japan. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Herald” Tribune” says Mr Hull’s document has aroused the impression that' Mr Hull is attempting to carry out his original intention to seek a complete general settlement in the . Pacific.

Authoritative sources say that the United States favours a breathing space of three months in relations with Japan, reports the Washingtoncorrespondent of the United Press. A temporary agreement would provide for a limited relexation of the economic blockade against Japan provided Japan was willing to pledge herself not to undertake further aggressive moves either southward or against Russia. Japan would also require to rearrange her troop dispositions so that she could not threaten the Burma road for the duration of the agreement. Last week the Japanese envoys asked for a fuller restoration of trading facilities and offered fewer guarantees than the United States now asks. The proposed temporary agreement, it is understood, would include provision for carrying on discussions aimed at a more permanent adjustment.