TALKS IN TOKYO CONTINUE

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22769, 22 July 1939, Page 15

TALKS IN TOKYO CONTINUE

“Some Progress” Reported JAPANESE PRESS MILITANT Conflicting Versions Of Position (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.) (Received July 22, 12.45 a.m.) TOKYO, July 21. “Some progress towards agreement” was made in the talks between the British Ambassador (Sir Robert Craigie) and the Japanese Foreign Minister (Mr Arita). The talk today lasted 100 minutes, and according to a communique the negotiators will meet again tomorrow. The Domei Agency reports that agreement was reached on general questions forming a background to the Tientsin issues, but this is not confirmed. In contrast to the more hopeful tone of the communique, the “Osaka Mainichi” declares: “The China emergency has reached a

stage when Japan will have to fight not only China but Britain and Russia.” The newspaper, “Kokutein,” which is the organ of the army and the anti-British movement, ~ is strongly urging the Government immediately to implement an Italian-Japanese anti-British military alliance. ; Commenting on Mr Chamberlain’s statement in the House of Commons, a Japanese Foreign Office spokesman said: “Japan has not the slightest intention of forcing' Britain to change her policy in the Far East, but Britain should realise the facts and voluntarily change her attitude.” After hearing Mr Arita’s report oLihe talk, the Prime Minister (Baron Hiranuma) summoned a special Cabinet meeting for to-morrow. He also summoned a special meeting of the Diet, probably on July 27, to hear an explanation of the British-Japanese negotiations. Because of increased anti-British manifestations the Tokyo police have allotted the British Ambassador (Sir Robert Craigie) a special guard. Japanes# were found hiding in the grounds of the British Embassy. The Tokyo cinemas are now pasted with the notice: “No Britons Allowed.” The Tokyo correspondent, of “The Times” states: “The success which both Britain and Japan honestly de-

sire is jeopardised by the Japanese demand for a general declaration which will be most difficult to draft. The army demands such general assurances on the ground that only thus can it be protected against a repetition of the alleged obstructions in Tientsin, while the public believe that the war will be prolonged as a result of the British attitude. The success of the conference depends on Japan remembering that a breakdown will increase her difficulties in China.” A British Official Wireless message states that a full report of the conversations has been examined by Britain, and a further communication has- been sent to Sir Robert Craigie. ____________