JAPAN'S OBJECT

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 11, 14 January 1933, Page 11

JAPAN'S OBJECT

CONTROL OF JEHOL

CREATION OF NEUTRAL ZONE

"CONCILIATORY SPIRIT"

tTnlted press Association—By Electric Tolejraph—Copyright. (Received 14th January, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, 13th January. "The Times" says that a statement issued by tho Tokio War Office leaves little doubt that Japan's object is to obtain, control of the Province of Jehol, the master of which can overawe the northern region of China proper. Politically its value is enhanced by the largo revenue from opium. The Japanese authorities are convinced that the gist of the anti-Japanese agitation is the three eastern provinces largely.supplied by Jehol, and that their pacification is impossible while the Governor of Jehol is. uncontrolled and unfriendly. The main Japanese proposal is that Shanhaikuan should be regarded henceforth as a neutral zone. The plan has much to recommend it, and affords proof of Japan's conciliatory spirit. At Shan.haikuan a slight response by Marshal Chang to the Japanese proposals might have established tranquillity. The key point of the matter is the profound concern, of all the Powers that if the fighting spreads south to the Great "Wall they could hardly remain inactive longer.