HOPEFUL SIGNS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 March 1932, Page 7

HOPEFUL SIGNS

FAR EASTERN DISPUTE

JAPS. SEEK SETTLEMENT ■ ——— [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] (Rec. March 11, 10 a.m.) SHANGHAI, March 10. Hopeful signs of an early settlement of . the outstanding Sino-Japanese differences, are seen in a communication addressed to the Chinese authorities by the Japanese Minister (Mr. Shigemitsu) to-day, indicating a definite desire speedlily to enter final negotiations for the cessation of hostilities, and the withdrawal of forces. The Japanese make clear their readiness to negotiate along the lines of the League resolutions. Mr. Quotatichi (Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs) announced that the Chinese would issue a statement on similar lines to-night. CHINESE~REPLY SHANGHAI, March 10. The Chinese authorities have replied to the Japanese memorandum regarding the negotiations for peace. The reply states that the Government, in accordance with the League resolution of March 4, is prepared to enter negotiations, on the understanding, as stated by Dr. Yen at Geneva, that these are limited to matters relating to the definite cessation of hostilities and tile complete withdrawal of the Japanese forces, no condition being attached to such withdrawal. LEAGUE COMMISSION KOBE, March 10. The League Commission stays at Kobe to-night, and sails for Shanghai to-morrow. Public anxiety is increased by the fall in exchange and the increase in unemployment, -while the progress in China is disappointing. LEAGUE’S RESOLUTION. • [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.]

(Received March 11, Noon.) RUGBY, March 10. The text of the resolution on the Sino-Japaneso dispute, to be produced before the General Committee of the Assembly, was circulated to the delegates to-day, and its terms were telegraphed bv their representatives to the Japanese and Chinese Goveriments. The text is of considerable length, and is based on the Articles of the Covenant and the Paris Pact. It is divided into four paragraphs. The first lays down that the Assembly recognises that the Covenant can be applied to the present dispute. The second affirms that it is contrary to the spirit of the League and the covenant to find a solution by military pressure. The third deals with the previous resolutions of the Council and the principles which were laid down, including the withdrawal of Japanese forces. , x i The fourth provides for the establishment of a Commission, including the President of the Assembly (M. Hymans),, all the members of the Council, except Japan and China, six members from the Assembly, to be elected by ballot. Its general purpose will be to supervise and promote the peace negotiations., BANDITS ATTACK TRAIN TOKIO, March 10. Three hundred bandits attempted this morning, to hold up a train whereon Count Uchida, General Hon--30, and other officials were returning from the inaugural ceremony at Changchun. . . Japanese guards, timely arriving, drove off the bandits, and rescued the train.