DIPLOMATIC VIEW.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 108, 9 May 1928, Page 7

DIPLOMATIC VIEW.

IS IT INTERVENTION? Japan May Be Asked To Explain. MOVEMENT OF TROOPS. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, May 8. Japan may shortly be asked to explain whether, in its opinion, the movement of Japanese troops into Shantung constitutes intervention. The State Department intimated to-day that under the 1922 Washington Nine-Power Treaty, which became effective in 1924, the Japanese and other foreign Governments interested in China agreed never to intervene except when necessary to protect their nationals. If Japan was only interested in the protection of her 12,000 nationals resident in Shantung, there would be no question of intervention involved. JAPS NERVOUS. Scanty News From Tsinan Front. NEW DIVISION MOBILISING. (United Service.) (Received 10 a.m.) TOKYO, May 8. The Premier will confer with the Ambassadors of Britain, America, France and Italy to acquaint them with the situation in Shantung and to discuss the question of the protection of all foreigners in North China.

The Nagoya Division of 8000 troops is being mobilised, and the official order to move will be issued on Saturday. Official news from Tsinan is scanty, leaving the authorities highly nervous. Tsingtao reports are to the effect that 70 British and Americans from inland of Shantung are expected to reach that port to-night.

U.S. AND MEDIATION. BOTH SIDES MUST ASK. (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) (Received 10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, May 8. The State Department on Tuesday announced that the United States would consider mediation in the present hostilities between Japan and the Chinese Nationalists only on the invitation of both sides. BRITAIN'S VIEW. LEAGUE SUGGESTED. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.', (Received 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 8. The view of the British Foreign Office •suggests the intervention of the League of Nations in China. The opinion is held that China ahd Japan, both mem - ber«, ought to be obliged to seek its mediation before resorting to warlike measures.