UNCOMPROMISING JAPANESE ATTITUDE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 270, 13 November 1937, Page 9

UNCOMPROMISING JAPANESE ATTITUDE.

NOTE TO POWERS.

Action in China Purely Self-

Defence.

INTERFERENCE NOT WELCOME.

United Press Association.—Copyright.

(Received 0.80 a.m.)

TOKYO, November 12.

The Japanese Cabinet has declined the invitation to be represented at the Brussels Conference.

The text of the reoly declining the Invitation briefly notes that the Powers' opinions were the result of their careful consideration, and regrets that such opinions are insufficient to persuade Japan to modify her views and policy as previously expressed.

Japan reiterates that her actions are purely in self-defence, and, therefore, outside the scope of the Nine-Power Treaty.

The Note adds that it is impossible for Japan to attend a conference convened in accordance with a treaty that she is accused of violating. She is convinced that any attempt to negotiate through a collective body like the Brussels Conference would only arouse popular feeling in China and Japan, and hinder a satisfactory solution.

Japan would be glad if the Powers would contribute to stabilisation in' East Asia in a manner consistent with the realities of the situation.

Tt has been decided not to issue a statement amplifying the Note to Brussels.

A Brussels message states that in view of the uncompromising Japanese reply the conference has dropped the plan to dispatch a last-minute appeal to Tokyo. It is believed that to-morrow it will consider drafting a historical exposition of the whole position, wlucft will be communicated to Japan.

Mr. Anthony Eden had a long conference v/ith the Dominion representatives at Brussels.

Count Ciano, Italian Foreign Minister, received Mr. Hotta, Japanese Ambassador, states a Rome message, and it is believed that they discussed Italy's attitude toward the Brussels Conference.