MATSUORA’S NOTE TO EDEN

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23263, 25 February 1941, Page 9

MATSUORA’S NOTE TO EDEN

Vice-Minister Makes

Explanation

“NO MEDIATION

OFFER”

(rXITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.}

(Received February 25, 1.30 a.m.)

TOKYO. February 24.

The Japanese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr Ohashi), substituting for the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr Matsuoka). said the discussion about Japanese mediation was a side issue resulting from Mr Matsuoka’s reply to the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr R. A. Eden) in which Mr Matsuoka said that any crisis in the Far East was not of Japan's making, since Japan was interested in the restoration of peace. Mr Ohashi said Mr Eden made a “proposal'' regarding reports that Japan would move southward. Mr Matsuoka denied these reports and added that the objective of the Tripartite Pact was to prevent “the further spread of the war.’’ Mr Ohashi continued: “Mr Matsuoka told Mr Eden that Japan desires if possible to contribute toward ending hostilities throughout the world and he said Japan’s mediation in the dispute between Indo-China and 'Hiailand was an expression of that desire. Mr Matsuoka has not made an offer to mediate in the European war.” Mr Ohashi said Japan was doing her utmost to end hostilities with China as soon as possible. He declined to comment on Japan's plans if she were asked to mediate. He said Mr Matsuoka's message to Mr Eden would be published at a “proper opportunity.”