NINE-POWER CONFERENCE

Evening Star, Issue 22805, 13 November 1937, Page 15

NINE-POWER CONFERENCE

INVITATION TO JAPAN DEFINITELY DECLINED BY CABINET Press Association- —By Telegraph—Copyright TOKIO, November 11. The Cabinet declined the invitation to attend the Brussels Conference. The Domei News Agency says the Government is issuing a statement restating Japan’s fundamental policy in connection with the Sino-Japanese conflict. TEXT OF REPLY ACTIONS PURELY SELFDEFENSIVE. TOKIO, November 12. (Received November 13, at 8 a.m.) The text of the reply declining the invitation briefly notes the Powers opinions and the result of their careful consideration, and regrets that such opinions are insufficient to persuade Japan to modify her views. Japan reiterates that her actions are purely self-defensive, therefore outside the scope of the Nine-Power Treaty. The Note adds that it is impossible for Japan to attend a conference convened in accordance with a treaty that she is accused of violating. Japan is convinced that an attempt to negotiate through a collective body like the Brussels conference would only arouse popular feeling in China and Japan and hinder a satisfactory solution. Japan would bo glad if the Powers would contribute to stabilisation of East Asia in a manner consistent; with the realities of the situation. NEXT STEP BY CONFERENCE BRUSSELS, November 12. (Received November 13, at 10.5 a.m.) In view of the uncompromising Japanese reply the conference dropped the plan to despatch a last-minute appeal to Japan. It is believed that tomorrow it will consider drafting an historical exposition of the whole position, which will be communicated to Japan. ITALY’S ATTITUDE ROME, November 12. (Received November 13, at 10.5 a.m.) Count Oiano received Mr Hotta, the Japanese Ambassador. It is believed that they discussed Italy’s attitude at the Brussels conference to-morrow, HR EDEN'S MOVEMENTS .. BRUSSELS, November 12. (Received November 13, at 10 a.m.) Mr Eden had a long conference with the dominion delegates. NO AMPLICATION OF REPLY TOKIO, November 12. (Received November 13, at 11.15 a.m.) Tokio has decided not to issue a statement amplifying the Japanese reply to Brussels.