RUSSIA READY TO SUPPRESS JAPE

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 24, 29 January 1938, Page 9

RUSSIA READY TO SUPPRESS JAPE

WOULD JOIN OTHERS. Vital Test of Collective Security. HINTS IN LONDON. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 12 noon.) LONDON, January 2S. The "Daily Telegraph" diplomatic correspondent reports that there are hints in London diplomatic circles of Russia's readiness to co-operate in suppressing Japanese aggression in China. ■ He quotes the assertion that the Soviet's considerable military strength in the Far East has been increased by infantry and artillery divisions and a formidable air force, as well as one division of cavalry and one of engineers. It is suggested that events in 1938 will determine whether all States must abandon the policy based on collective security, or reinforce it. The Soviet is ready to resist Japanese aggression in agreement with other Powers, notably Britain, which-would be asked for compensatory guarantees of Russia's Far Eastern securities. The predominant opinion is that the collective basis offers the Soviet the best foundation for peace and security, but another increasingly influential school believes that Russia should abandon the League .and seek friends elsewhere. The latest development In the Soviet policy may be guided by anxiety lest West European democracies and totalitarian States might come to terms with other democracies, thus losing interest in East European developments. The implications of the situation may cause direct suggestions from M. Litvinoff to Mr. Anthony Eden ,at Geneva. It is significant that leaders of American opinion openly advocate that the American Fleet should be strong enough to secure unquestioned predominance in the Pacific, proceeding on the assumption that the British and French Fleets must remain concentrated in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

SOVIET AIDS CHINA. Large Quantities of Arms Being Sent. CONFIRMATION OF REPORTS. 1 (Received 12 noon.) LONDON", January 28. "The Times" Peking correspondent say* reports reaching North China from trustworthy sources confirm the recent Hankow reports that large quantities of Soviet arms are reaching China. Careful observers report seeing at Jeast 600 armoured cars traversing Sinkiang into Kansu, and over 200 aeroplanes, mostly fast fighter types, but nlso some multi-engined bombers. Large bodies of workers are reported to be busy improving and metalling roads through Sinkiang to facilitate traffic between China and Russia. JAP. BOYCOTTS. Mr. Lyons , Gentle Reminder to Watersiders. FEDERAL FOREIGN POLICY. (Received 11 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. The Federal Government at present is not likely to take steps to discipline waterside workers who refuse to load war material on to Japanese ships. Mr. J. A. Lyons, in a statement on the subject, appealed to the watersiders to recognise the fact that the foreign policy of Australia was the responsibility of the Government and not of a group of individuals.