U.S.A. ANXIOUS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 118, 21 May 1928, Page 7

U.S.A. ANXIOUS.

DIPLOMATS UNEASY.

Jap. Claim To Manchuria At Issue. RAILWAY RIGHTS ONLY. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) NEW YORK, May 20. The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times" says an atmosphere of uneasiness was evident in official circles yesterday about the course taken by Japan in asserting her predominating influence in Manchuria, through her warning to the Southern and Northern factions in China to avoid spreading the unrest to Manchuria. The Secretary of State, Mr. P. B. Kellogg, stated yesterday that the United States has never recognised any special claim by Japan to that region, and has always considered Manchuria to be Chinese territory, although she does not deny the legal ownership by Japan of the lease of the South Manchurian railway.

Mr. Kellogg said the American Government has not taken up any position in regard to the assumption by Japan of power to exclude a Chinese Government from Manchuria. At present the United States is not called upon to do so. Japan did not consult the Ameri - can Government about her action, and there has been no communication between the American Government and bther Governments as to the steps taken by Japan. In the absence of a knowledge of Japan's ultimate aims it was held to be inadvisable further to discuss the situation.

However, Mr. Kellogg called attention to the nine-Powers Treaty to whicn Japan was a signatory, agreeing to respect the sovereignty of China and to provide the fullest possible opportunity for China to develop; also to establish equal commercial and industrial opportunities for all nations in China.

A further message from Washingtcn says the United States is retaining her liberty of action as the Nationalists advance toward Tientsin and Peking. Mr. Kellogg said no request had been received from either Britain or Japan to co-operate to protect the PekingTientsin railway. America was not contemplating any action in the matter.