PEACE SCHEME REJECTED

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22594, 27 December 1938, Page 9

PEACE SCHEME REJECTED

China’s Reply To Japan

terms entirely INSINCERE ”

Reported Possibility Of Counter-Offer

(rstlllD PBSSS ASSOCIATION—COP TRIOHT-) (Received December 26, 8.30 p.m.) CHUNGKING, December 24. The Foreign Office has rejected Prince Konoye’s peace terms of December 23 as “entirely insincere.” Japan’s terms included the abandonment of extra-territorial rights, the abolition of foreign concessions, and China’s participation in the anti-Communist bloc. A message from Shanghai states that reliable British informants state that Dr. Wang Ching-wei, the former Prime Minister of nationalist China and a veteran member of the Kuomintang, wall arrive at Hong Kong from Hanoi, and it is reported that he intends to discuss peace terms vfith the Japanese. It is emphasised that Dr. Wang has certain “conditions of peace” from Marshal Chiang Kai-shek. The central headquarters of the Japanese Army, commenting on this report, said: “We are always glad to shake hands with anyone, even if they are affiliated with the Kuomintang, who desires to participate in the reconstruction of a new China.”

A message from London states that the Tokyo correspondent of “The Times” says that although the tones of the Prime Minister (Prince Konoye) are painstakingly moderate in his statement of peace terms, China is obviously again being told that she must assume the role of subordinate partner in the East Asiatic bloc.

Neither Japanese nor foreign observers find that the statement presents an adequate basis for foreign mediation: but the situation is changed since Marshal Chiang Kaishek rejected German overtures in January.

Interests of Third Powers

China’s military position is enormously worse. Marshal Chiang Kai-shek commands a considerable army, but it lacks aggressiveness. He has lost his air force and much artillery'. China’s choice is the best peace obtainable o- long years of devastating guerrilla warfare. In outlining Japan’s peace offer to China yesterday. Prince Konoye said that China must also recognise Manchukuo. He added that Japan would undertake not to limit the interests of those third Powers “who grasp the meaning erf the new East Asia and are willing to act accordingly.”

The Japanese newspapers praise Prince Konoye’s terms as heralding a new order in East _ Asia. The “Kokumin Shimbun” states: “This offer is designed to save China from the influence of Western Powers, which is the keynote of Japanese diplomacy in the Far East.” The “Nichi Nichi Shimbun” states: “Japan hopes to deliver the coup de grace to Western intrigues, which are alienating Japan and China.” The German newspaper “Berliner Tageblatt” declares; “Japan is seeking to create a community of Far Eastern nations politically, economically, and racially stronger than the Monroe doctrine.” The “Voelkischer Beobachter” supports the abolition of all foreign concessions in China. It admits that the most difficult obstacle will be the attitude of the Chinese population to Japan, which the war has not changed.

JAPANESE FISHERIES’ AGREEMENT

CONSULATE CLOSED BY SOVIET

(Received December 26, 7.10 p.m.)

TOKYO, December 24,

After the rejection of a compromise in the Russian and Japanese fisheries’ agreement the Soviet has closed the consulate at the Hakodate base from which 20,000 Japanese fishermen are operating in Soviet waters.

Negotiations will be resumed in January.

SMALLPOX EPIDEMIC IN SHANGHAI

SCARCITY OF FOOD

(Received December 26, 7.10 p.m.)

SHANGHAI, December 23

A smallpox epidemic, the worst foi 74 years, is raging in Shanghai. The deaths to December 23 total 331 Chinese and foreigners, including an artificer on the cruiser Suffolk, on which there are eight cases. . There are at present 1100 cases m the foreign settlement. Foreign communities throughout China are facing a lean Christmas. Food is scarce and the atmosphere everywhere is unsettling.

SUCCESSFUL ATTACK BY CHINESE

(Received December 26, 7.10 p.m.)

CHUNGKING, December 23

The Chinese are successfully ®ttacking Tsengcheng. In spite of Japanese reinforcements they recaptured Nanhwei. The Japanese have retaken Feihcen and Tangping.

PARLIAMENT. OPENED IN JAPAN

(Received December 26, 10.30 p.m.)

TOKYO, December 25.

The Emperor Hirohito ceremoniously opened Parliament. He gave a brief address summoning the nation to unified support in establishing “a new order and permanent peace in east Asia.” Both Houses went into recess until January 20.