ANGLO-JAP DISPUTE

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 May 1934, Page 7

ANGLO-JAP DISPUTE

HASTY ACTION ALLEGED AN OFFICIAL ESTIMATE [BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] TOK 10, May 10. The Foreign Office Spokesman described the effect of the announcement of the British restrictions on Japanese trade as being psychological, which, while being received with comparative calm, had shocked (lie Japanese people’s long-standing sentimental regard for Britain. The Spokesman said: “Before (he Japanese Ambassador in London, M. Matsudaira, could convey our queries and observations regarding Mr Runciman’s note. Mr Runciman announced the quotas with great, suddenness. We are inclined to interpret Britain’s action as an infringement of our rights under the Anglo-Japanese Treaty; but we are still studying this aspect, in accordance with (he spirit and the letter of that Treaty, and we will do our utmost to harmonise and maintain our friendly trade relations, despite the British Government’s drastic action. Years ago such an action would greatly upset our industrialists, but now they have confidence to meet this challenge, and we hope that it will encourage them to further progress.”

AUSTRALIAN EXPECTATIONS CANBERRA, May 10. Federal Government officials consider that one result of the British quota policy regarding Japanese exports will be to increase the pressure on the Australian market. The balance of the Australian-Japanese trade for many years has been in favour of Australia. It is considered likely that the British Government will now formally ask the Dominions to impose restrictions against Japan, similar to those restrictions proposed in the British colonies. Alternatively, however, Britain may seek concessions for her textile manufacturers, which could only be given at the expense of Japan’s trade with Australia. NEGOTIATIONS WITH CHINA. SHANGHAI, May 10. Following recent conversations at Nanking between M. Ariyoshi, Japingwei and other National Governanese Minister to China, M. Wangahingwei and other National Government officials, everything now ndicates that direct negotiations between China and Japan for settling the outstanding questions in North China will be commenced this month, t is understood that the problems do not include the status of Mauchukuo.