POWERS' ACTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1932, Page 7

POWERS' ACTION.

JAPS. APPREHENSIVE.

Lack of Co-operation Results In Dispatch of Troops.

ARMY DIVISION FOE SHANGHAI (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copvriglit) LONDON, February 2. The diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily Herald" says strong concerted action by Britain, the United States and Italy against the Japanese policy in China is under active consideration. The Foreign Secretary, Sir John Simon, is expected to make a statement in, the House of Commons today. The "Morning Post" diplomatic writer says irritation is openly expressed in official qtiarters in London at the manner in which Japan is. threatening the enormous British interests in China, which in no way concern Japan's quarrel with that country. British capital invested in the Shanghai settle- j ment totals at least £70,000,000. A message from Kobe states that consequent upon Japan's refusal to accept the Powers' advice regarding inter- j national protection of Shanghai on the J ground that Japan possesses the right to protect her own nationals, the Defence Ministers held a conference at the Foreign Office. They agreed to the dispatch of further military forces to China. The Minister of War, General Araki, subsequently informed the Press that lacking the perfect co-operation of the Powers the dispatch of more troops had become inevitable. The Minister emphasised that this meant an extension of the battle line, but said it was necessitated because the attitude of the Powers had inspired much apprehension in Japan. The whole nation must face the situation in a determined manner. An army division has been mobilised, but mention of its movements has been prohibited. Messages received to-day Indicate that the Japanese Government is sending an entire army division to Shanghai to relieve its marines. LEAGUE INVOKED. Immediate Action Urged In Far East. ARMS PARLEY POSTPONED. (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON, February 2. Britain has asked the League of Nations Council to intervene immediately at Shanghai. A message from Geneva states that the eleventh-hour postponement of the Disarmament Conference in order to fulfil Britain's request" to convene the League Council to discuss the Shanghai situation has created a sensation. There is a chance, of an indefinite postponement to enable the delegates, as an Assembly of the League, to consider the Sino-Japanese situation. The Chinese may demand the application of Article 16, which would imply immediate sanctions against Japan. SCRAPS OF PAPER ? TEST OF PEACE PACTS. (Ileceivcd 2 p.m.) GENEVA, February 2. Mr. Thomas, before the League Council, announced that Britain regarded a continuation of the situation as impossible. He added: "War in everything but name is progressive. Members of the League cannot be indifferent to it, otherwise the Covqnant, the Paris Pact and the Nine Power Treaty will lose the confidence of the world. It is significant that America takes a similar view."