THE FAR EAST

Evening Star, Issue 21709, 2 May 1934, Page 9

THE FAR EAST

AMERICA'S POSITION COMMUNICATION TO JAPAN Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. WASHINGTON, April 30. The State Department’s Note to tho Japanese Government, inter alia, reminds Japan that tho relations between the United States and China are governed by the generally-accepted principles of international law and the treaties to which tin United States is a party, as is Japan. Treaties can lawfully bo modified or terminated only by processes prescribed or recognised or agreed upon by the parties to them. The American Government seeks to be duly considerate regarding the rights, obligations, and legitimate interests of other countries, and expects on the part of other Governments due consideration of tho rights, obligations, and legitimate interests of the United States. In the opinion of the American people and the Government 1 no nation can, without the assent of the other nations concerned, rightfully endeavour to make conclusive its will in a situation where there are involved the rights, obligations, and legitimate interests of other sovereign States. The American Government has dedicated the United States to a policy of being “a good neighbour,” and to the practical application of that policy it will continue on its own part and in association with other Governments to devote its best efforts.

A “ STIFF NOTE " NEW YORK, April 30. TH® New York 'Times’s ’ Washington correspondent-says: “The strong position that the Roosevelt Administration has . taken in the Far Eastern situation was revealed at the State Department to-night by the publication of the memorandum that the anibassador (Mr Grew) transmitted to the Tokio Foreign Office yesterday. Although coincident with and similar to • the British Note, officials indicated that there was no connection between the two. In pointing out courteously but firmly to Japan her obligations under the Nine-Power Treaty and the Kellogg Pact—for that is obviously what mention of multilateral treaties has reference to —the Administration is following almost exactly Mr Stimson’s policy, which President Roosevelt, although he commended it in a pre-election campaign speech, has not taken occasion officially to reiterate after assuming office. Since the Japanese Foreign Office’s verbal memorandum of last week President Roosevelt and Mr Hull (Secretary of State) had maintained an ultra-retiring atitude, and to-night’s stiff Note pomes as, something of a surprise to official and diplomatic circles, inasmuch as, the Grew communication was subsequent to .Japan’s partial retraction and “ clarification ’’ of the original pronouncement. Some observers express the opinion that President Roosevelt and Mr Hull are not yet satisfied, and took the opportunity forcefully to present their position to the Tokio Government. IN PROPER PERSPECTIVE. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 1. (Received May 2, at 11.30 a.m.) Sir John Simon’s statement in the House of Commons on the diplomatic exchange with Japan is generally regarded by the Press as having set the recent expositions of Japanese policy in the proper perspective. Referring to Sir John Simon’s reaffirmation of the British policy of assisting progress in China to the greatest possible extent in a spirit of international co-operation and of working for peace, prosperity, and harmony in the Far East, ‘ The Times ’ says: “ There was never more need than today to work For this objective.”