JAP. GENERAL GIVES HINT TO BRITAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 25, 31 January 1938, Page 7

JAP. GENERAL GIVES HINT TO BRITAIN.

FAR EAST POLICY. Conflict Likely If Help Given China. "NOT SEEKING TROUBLE." United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON", January 30. "I am afraid that iT Britain goes beyond the policy of simply defending her interests in China, and makes a determined stand to maintain her political and economic relations with the Kuomintang, A very serious conflict with Japan may arise," declared General Matsui, Japanese commander, in an interview at Shanghai. He added: "There is no doubt fcbout Britain's Far East policy. Her support of the Kuomintang is emphasised by the steadiness of Chinese exchange since the outbreak of hostilities and the large amount of arms and ammunition supplied. "Japanese actions may liave offended Britain, but Britain cannot take action behind Japan's back in China which is Japan's lifeline and is essential for her expansion, especially after Japan's own growth and development. "Nevertheless, I must not be represented as seeking trouble with Britain with whom 1 desire co-operation."'

Admiral Hasegawa,

Questioned in the Diet at Tokyo yesterday the Foreign Minister, Mr. Hirota, said: "If Marshal Chiang Kai-slick compels us to do so. we shall take adequate steps in South China in accordance with the exigencies of the situation. In such a case Hongkong, being British territory, ought to maintain perfect neutrality." In an interview Admiral Hasegawa said: "I will never attack Hongkong. I do not believe our military operations will necessitate the occupation of Hainan Island. Even if I decided to operate against Canton, I do not believe foreigners, notably British, would play a serious part in the Chinese resistance." Report of Conclave at Geneva. Great 1 importance, says a Geneva message, is attached to a private meeting between the British, French and Russian Foreign Ministers, Mr. Eden. M. Del bos and M. Litvinoff, and Dr. Wellington Koo, of China. They are understood to have reached a tentative agreement on a plan to assist China, but French adherence will depend upon M. Chautemps' approval. The United States also will be asked to collaborate. Dr. Koo is reported to have demanded League action. The meeting, however, decided to assist China outside the League's machinery with credits and with supplies to be transported through Hongkong. This is satisfactory to. the Chinese as they believe they can prolong the war into a stalemate if they continue to receive war materials. A message from Washington states that the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, and Senator K. Pi(tman,. chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, derided the idea of the United States participating in the jehemq to aid China against Japan purported to have been discussed at Geneva. Mr. Hull said no change was contemplated in the policy of the United States. Mr. Pittman said the proposal was so contrary to the historic neutrality policy of the United States that credence could not be given to it.