NINE-POWER CONFERENCE

Evening Star, Issue 22799, 6 November 1937, Page 15

NINE-POWER CONFERENCE

SINfl-JAPAHESE PROBLEM MR JORDAN MAKES VIGOROUS SPEECH Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright BRUSSELS, November 4. Although it intended to resume in the evening the Nine-Power Conference deferred its meeting until to-morrow, when the appointment of the sub-com-mittee will he considered. The subcommittee will be charged with the tasks of replying to Japan’s earlier refusal and offering the good auspices of the conference to both China and Japan in a mediatory capacity. Mr W. J. Jordan, in a vigorous speech to-day about needless war in the Ear East, denounced the bombing of women and children. RUMOURS OF GERMAH MEDIATION BERLIN, November 5. (Received November 6, at 1 p.m.) Although reports that Germany intends to offer mediation are officially denied, rumours that Herr Hitler is taking action are persistent. JAPANESE OUTLOOK UNCHANGED HINTS OF PEACE TERMS. TOKIO, November 5. (Received November 6, at 1 p.m.) The Government Spokesman said Japan’s position was unchanged. She could not stand foreign intervention from Brussels or elsewhere. It is too early to define the attitude towards mediation. Informed circles hint that Heim Hitler would be more acceptable as a mediator than Mr Roosevelt. Moreover, it is freely rumoured that Japan is willing to end the Shanghai adventure, especially as the navy is perturbed over the deterioration of the warships. li is understood that General Chiang Kai-shek was informed of Japan’s peace terms, but that these were not acceptable to him. China insists on restoration of the status quo and strict observance of Article I. in the NinePower Treaty.

NO AGREEMENT REACHED DIVERGENCE OF VIEWS ON M. SPAAK’S DRAFT. BRUSSELS, November 5, (Received November 6, at 11.45 a.m.) The conference considered M. Spaak’s draft letter to Japan, in which he emphasises that the conference is not under the auspices of the League of Nations and that Japan is able to negotiate with a small body instead of a full conference. The letter rejects Japan’s contention that the conference has no right to intervene. It says the conference notes the Japanese affirmation of her intention to respect what are the fundamental principles of the Nine-Power Treaty and deprecates the contention that China is subject to Communistic influence and pursues an anti-Japanese policy. Owing to a divergence of views on M. Spaak’s draft, it was decided that the delegates should hand in amendments for consideration to-morrow. It was agreed to leave the composition of the committee until the Japanese reply has been received. No progress was made with the appointment of a committee to approach Japan. Mr Norman Davis is reported to have opposed the inclusion of' Italy on the ground that she was allied with Japan. Dr Wellington Koo offered temporarily to withdraw from the conference lest his presence should be embarrasing. It was urged that China should remain and M. Spaak ruled that she should do so. The conference adjourned until tomorrow without reaching an agreement. DOMINION DELEGATES SUPPORT FOR BRITISH VIEW. BRUSSELS, November 5. 6, at 1 p.m.) Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Portugal took an important part in to-day’s discussions, and supported the British view. The official Spokesman said to-day’s results were encouraging. The discussions were constructive and useful, and the dominions’ delegates were most holpfuL