JAPAN SURPRISED BY MOLOTOFF SPEECH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 128, 2 June 1939, Page 7

JAPAN SURPRISED BY MOLOTOFF SPEECH.

SUSPICION ROUSED.

Moderation May Disguise "Horse Trading. ,,

LINKING WITH GERMANY?

United Press Association.—Copyright,

(Received 12 noon.)

LONDON, June 1

Hie Tunes" Tokyo correspondent ""ys that M. Molotoff's speech surprised Government officials, Avho expected neither rejection of the rranco-Briti.sh proposals nor reference to (J,,, reopening of commercial negotiations with Germany.

I nodical sources suspect that M .Molotofl s moderation disguises "horse trading , ' for greater concessions Himinimum conditions. it i s admitted, would restrict an agreement to Kurope. but ollicials point out that if the Soviet has reason to think that its Kuropoan frontiers are secure it can play a more aggressive role in the Far Kast,

Kven that prospect, however, is less disturbing than u. Soviet-German rapprochement, the essence of which would give a free hand for Russia in the Far Kast in return for a free hand for (Jermany in Europe.

Mr. H. Xishi. counsellor at the .T,apanese Kmbassy in Moscow, said in an interview that Russia will not participate in the Anglo-French Alliance unless it included assistance in the Far Kast. enabling Russia to bring pressure upon ■ lapau.

The London markets are weaker owinu to the unfavourable reaction of the ItiH-ian pact negotiations. Little business is passing.

Sir i.ric l'hipps. British Ambassador to France, and M. Bonnet. French Foreign Minister, conferred on M. Molotoff's reply. The French 'Press expresses disap]M)intment and draws attention to the deep-seatedness of the Soviet Commenting on M. Molotoff's speech. "The Times" says: "If tlie speech was not a full acceptance of the last British proposals, it is still less a flat rejection of them. There was nothing in M. .Molotoff's misgivings and reservations which further negotiations should not be able to remove.

"The Soviet's object inns seem to he on points of detail and procedure. M. Molotnff's reference to <)ualilications in the British plan apparently concerned its mention of the League Covenant, "but the British Government did not mean consultation with member States involving delay. The difference of viewpoint on this and other matters should be easily adjustable.''

Some Advances Made. The "Daily Mail" and "Daily Telegraph" point out that some advances have been made. M. Molotoff at least acknowledged the embodiment of the principle of reciprocity in the British and French proposals, but was dissatisfied with the qualifications on the grounds that they would nullify their application.

The most difficult problem is the guaranteeing of Russia's western frontier and the Baltic States' unwillingness to accept guarantees for fear of imperilling their neutrality. This should not

l>e allowed to wreck the agreement. The "Daily Telegraph" adds: '"Tlie general impression is that Russia genuinely desires an agreement, and in fact is committed to joining in the anti aggression front. On the other hand there still lurks in M. Molotoff's mind a doubt regarding the earnestness of purpose of Britain and France. The "Manchester Guardian" says: "'After the glowing prophecies that the Russo-British agreement was as good as completed except for the applause.! M. Molotoff's speech comes as a cold shower. It is a warning not to assume that the Russian Government is as anxious for an alliance a« a great many \ people here." i According to the Independent Call! Service the "Evening Standard" says si three-Power pact will be concluded in a few days. Britain is willing to retract the League proviso if it stands in the way of the pact. SOVIET OPPOSED. FORTIFICATION OF ALANDF ! « (Received 1.30 p.m.) , STOCKHOLM. June 1. | The Riksdag is to he summoned (■: discuss the situation arising from Russian opposition to the fortification of Aland Islands.