FUTURE GRAVER THAN EVER

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 101, 23 January 1939, Page 9

FUTURE GRAVER THAN EVER

Japan’s Task In Far East

MINISTERS OUTLINE POLICY

Threat To Exterminate The Chinese

By Telegraph.—Press Assu.—Copyright. (Received January 22, 6.30 p.m.) TOKIO, January 21.

The Premier, Baron Hiranuma, reopening the Upper House today, declared that the situation confronting Japan was graver than ever. He urged the fulfilment of the high purpose for which Japanese troops had died in China, and reaffirmed the Cabinet’s pledge to follow an immutable policy in China and its determination to achieve its purpose at all costs. The Premier added that no lasting peace was possible unless Japan, Manchukuo, and China were speedily united in collaboration for the new birth of China. He reiterated his reference to the Emperor Meiji’s “Divine Way,” adding:

“I hope the Chinese realize that this is for the purpose of enabling co-operation. If they fail to understand, we will have no alternative but to exterminate them.”

Baron Hiranuma declared that the elimination of Communism was absolutely essential. He paid a tribute to the whole-hearted support given by Germany and Italy throughout the whole Sino-Japanese conilict, adding: “Our friendship with them is growing more cordial.” He asserted that the Japanese were not opposing needlessly the activities of other Powers. Third Power’s Interests. In a speech at the reopening of the Lower House, the Foreign Minister, Mr. Arita, said that Japan’s schemes for China did not threaten (lie independence or interests of China or of foreign Powers. He pointed out that as a result of Japan’s actions in Manchukuo 30,000,000 people lived and worked in security, and trade with England and America had improved. Referring to Japan's plan for the creation of a new order in East Asia in which China, Japan, and Manelmkuo would preserve their independence and individuality, and unite for their active collaboration and mutual aid, he declared that Japan was convinced that such a new order was not only necessary for the existence and healthy development of China, Japan, and Manchukuo, but would also be conducive to real peace in and the wellbeing of the whole world.

He reiterated that Japan asked neither territory- nor indemnity from China, and would respect her sovereignty. Japan was prepared to consider the abolition of extraterritoriality and foreign concessions. Mr. Arita went on to say that vast fields were left open in which tlie rights and interests of other countries and the commercial aud other peaceful enterprises of their nationals were not affected, and were even welcomed. He claimed that Japan had always striven for the removal of trade barriers.

Mr. Arita described the complaints of foreign Powers of interference with their rights in China as unavoidable because of military necessities. CONFLICTING CLAIMS London Baffled By Arita’s Statement (British .Official Wireless.) (Received January 22, 6.30 p.m.) RUGBY, January 21. Mr. Arita’s statement in the Diet on the aims of Japan in China has been read with great interest in London and will be the subject of a careful study. In the meantime, well-informed Biitioli commentators confess to finding some of Mr. Arita’s arguments,dillicult io follow. It is asked, for example, bow cue outside world is to reconcile Mr. Arita’s claim that Chinese independence will be fully preserved with the present policy of the Japanese Government, which, as seen from London, clearly has the military domination of China as its aim. POSSIBLE BRITISH LOAN FOR CHINA LONDON, January 20. The "Daily Herald” says that arrangements are beiug completed I’or a loan of £3,000,000 by Britain to China to support China’s currency and for the stabilization of her exchange.

A British Official Wireless message states that, regarding reports in London to the effect that a large loan is contemplated for the support ot the Chinese currency,' the only statement to be obtained from official quarters is that the question of financial assistance by the British Government to China is under careful consideration.