END TO TALKS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 29, 3 August 1939, Page 9

END TO TALKS

REMINDER OF JAPAN'S OBLIGATIONS

ORDER IN CHINA

PROMISE UNFULFILLED

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrlghp

(Received August 3, 10 a.m.)

LONDON, August 2

A message from Tokio states that the Foreign Office spokesman today used the soft pedal concerning threats by the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, expressing the opinion that the negotiations were progressing smoothly, uninfluenced by the United States action. He denied that Sir Robert Craigie threatened to walk out.

It is reliably stated in official circles in London that the report that Sir Robert Craigie had mad© a threat to end the negotiations is not a fabrication. It is pointed out that the agreement between. Sir Robert Craigie and Mr. Arita which is the basis of the negotiations provides that Japan shall maintain order in the occupied areas. The continuance of disorders slioavs that Japan is either unwilling or unable to fulfil that obligation.

The newspaper "Nichi Nichi Shimbun" reports that the British Ambassador, Sir Robert Craigie, called on the Japanese diplomat Mr. Kato and declared that Britain might discontinue the negotiations unless Japan strictly controlled the anti-British movement in China and Japan. Sir Robert Craigie asked that this be conveyed to the Foreign Minister, Mr. Arita. Mr. Kato replied that the anti-British movement and the Tokio negotiations were entirely separate affairs. He added that the demonstrations in Japan Avere spontaneous and not sponsored by the Government, Avhich would interfere only if law and order Avere endangered. He denied that Japan Avas connected with the movement in China. An official spokesman in Tokio subsequently denied the report that Sir Robert Craigie had informed Mr. Kato that unless anti-British demonstrations stopped it would be difficult for the British to continue conversations. THE CURRENCY ISSUE. The Tokio correspondent of the British United Press says that the success of the negotiations on the Tientsin dispute depends on Avhether Japan compromises on the silver currency issue. Britain is reported to be willing to surrender the silver in the concession if the Japanese-controlled HopehChahar Political Council establishes proof of its previous ownership, and also if Japan relaxes her demands regarding British support for the Chinese currency. Japanese newspapers declare that Britain has assumed an unreasonably obstinate attitude over the currency question. "NOISY BUT NOT DANGEROUS." The Tokio correspondent of '"The Times" states that officials excuse Government inactivity on the ground that the anti-British movement in Tokio, though noisy, is not dangerous. A Tokio message states that the Mayor of Peking rejected the British protest against demonstrations, declaring that they were inevitable, but that public feeling Avill be moderated if Britain reconsiders her position in the Far East.

Peking reports that anti-British picket corps are resorting to direct intimidation of Chinese employed by Britons. The bulk of the Chinese are friendly, but the activities of agitators who are supported by the military may result in serious incidents. The British authorities are again protesting.

At Tientsin the anti-British movement has moderated somewhat.

togly welcome announcement of less