THE FAR EAST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 179, 1 August 1939, Page 7

THE FAR EAST.

CENTRE OF UNREST.

Tokyo Agreement Did Not Mean Change Of Policy.

NO BELLIGERENT RIGHTS

British Official Wireless

(Rfvpivert j>.m>

RUGBY - , Julv 31

< ontinuing his speech in the foreign affairs rlebpte, Mr. Chamberlain said: Another centre of unrest in the world is, of course, in the Far East, and there discussions are going on at present >n Tokyo on the position in lientsin concession.

■•Thof-p negotiations were preceded by agreement upon what is known as a formula, which dealt with the general background Hgainst which the latter negotiations would proceed. The formula was h .statement of fact*. It did ~ot deimte any chanjre of policy and it did not denote recognition ~f belligerent rights on the part of Japan.

-It did not betray any British interest in China and it did not Purport or intend to surrender any rights belonging to third parties. L«. t me say once "again. Mlthoujrh I think it quite unneeeeearv! that this (iovcrnment will not reverse. its policy i n the Far Kast at the reiiu:M i> another Power, and 1 would add that we have not l>een linked l>y .Imphii to do so. ' '

"No doubt there are plenty of dit'ieultic in front of ~s in the delicate negotiations which are being carried on I'.v our Ambassador. \,, t the least of these ,- the persistence of the antiBritish agitation in North Chin<i. carri vl '"' I'.v people wh,, are influenced, hisiijilted and controlled by .I.ipancse. and I nm hound to say that if this a-itation continue* and if these attacks upon British interests and British rights in North China are to m () ~„ unchecked, the Hriti-h Government will 1 bliged t i take a \cry definite view of the sitimtion.

"It is (,iiite clear that It would make a successful outcome of our negotiations —an outcome which is as much in the interests of Japan a« it is of this country—extremely difficult, if i.ot impossible

"May we not bear this in mind th.it despite invitations and injurious int idents. the real goal we have in mind is to find some just and equitable settlement of the struggle which is going on in China.' ,

"I have been asked a number of questions about the handing over of silver in the concession ami the supporting of Chinese currency. These arc questions which are now confined to Tientsin. I hey are larger questions, and questions which affect not only this country.

'It is perfectly certain, therefore, that we cannot discuss questions of that character without the fullest communication with other countries, whose interests are equally involved with our

Actions By America. "Reference has been made, not unnaturally, to the recent action on the part of America. I said earlier to-day that 1 believed that the general object and aim of America are closely similar, but it does not follow that each of us must do exactly the same thing as the other. We may find that different methods are appropriate in different cases, but the House may rest assured that this Government places the utmost importance upon collaboration where collaboration is possible and desirable with America, and that we will never fail to keep that Government informed of all we are doing or are about to do.

"[ am not going to say any more on that point, and I do not think there is much else I need sa v on anv other."

"One must admit that a situation in which the accumulation of weapons of war is going on on so many sides and at such a pace is one which cannot but be regarded with anxiety."' Mr. Chamberlain said. "Indeed, it is difficult to see what the solution of this problem can be unless it is to be resolved by war itself. Bad Feeling Fomented. "Unhappily bad feeling between nations is fomented daily by poisonous propaganda in the Press and by other means. I cannot help feeling that if only we could halt this war of words and if in addition to that some action could be taken which would tend to restore the confidence of the |>eople in the peaceful intentions of all the States in Kiirnpe—if that could be done the gains for all the world would be incalculable and F am firmly convinced that they could look forward to a period of increasing an<l unexampled prosperity in international industry and agriculture which would result in a general improvement of the conditions of the people."