JAPAN IN MANCHURIA

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 39, 16 February 1933, Page 11

JAPAN IN MANCHURIA

COMMITTEE'S REPORT

ACTION NOT SELF-DEFENCE

INDEPENDENCE A SHAM

United Press Association—By Electric Tele- ';, graph—Copyright.. 1 GENEVA, February 15. Outspoken passages in the Committee, of Nineteen's report, which, rivals the Lytton report in size, declares, that while Japanese officers in Manchuria on the night of September 18, 1931, might have believed they were acting in legitimate defence, the Japanese military operations at Mukden and other places cannot be regarded as self-defence any more, than Japan's subsequent military measures which, inspired by political considerations, acquired jcontrol of all the important towns. ; Moreover, .he report continues, the adoption of legitimate defence measures does riot exempt a country from its obligations under the Covenants of Article 12. : The report adds that the Japanese civil and military officers planned and carried out in Manchuria an independence movement as a solution of the situation . thus "created, using ; theTefor . the names and activities of certain prominent Chinese and minorities with grievances against the Chinese Government. This movement was supported and guided by t_tie General Staff, and could only be achieved owing to. the presence of Japanese troops. It cannot be considered a spontaneous, genuine independence: movement. -•..-. The'report in dealing with events producing the recent crisis emphasises . that both China, arid Japan had legitimate grievances. Japan took advantage of questionable rights; : China obstructed in. the exercise of undoubted rights. '-■'.. MATSTJOKA.FIRM.' Replying -to the Committee _ of Nineteen's question on February '9, whether Japan would unequivocally 'agree that .the existing regime, in Manchukuo did not solve the problem, Mr. Matsuoka, the chief Japanese delegate, reiterated ! that Japan was convinced that the maintenance and recognition of the independence of Manchukuo was the only guarantee.of peace in the Far East; also, that the whole question ■tyouid eventually be solved on that basis. He expressed the opinion that f Japan would be able to make the world understand the fairness, of ber position provided ample time was given for explanation. -; _ Sir Erie Drummond, acting on the Committee's instructions, said. that he regretted .that; the Japanese proposals of February S were unacceptable to the League Committee, while discussion on the other; points would; be fruitless. He added: "The Committee is sure you realise that aggravation of the situation will increase the difficulty, if not frustrate further efforts towards conciliation." : The last phrase is interpreted as an ■■ allusion to the present Japanese operation at Jehol.