TO CLARIFY SITUATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 June 1939, Page 7

TO CLARIFY SITUATION

ANGLO-JAPANESE TALKS STATEMENT IN COMMONS [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] (Recd. June 20, 11.25 a.m.) ' RUGBY, June 19. Lord Halifax received the Japanese Ambassador 1 ; and discussed the quesions at issue in Tientsin. This interview was referred to by Mr Chamberlain, in a Commons answer, in which he also stated that Sir Robert Craigie was endeavouring at Tokio to clarify the situation. In London, it is felt that the serious deterioration of Anglo-Japanese relations, which seemed to be threatened towards the close of last week, was the result of the introduction of extraneous matters into the original difference on the textile question between the British mid Japanese in North China, and that if, as is hoped is the case, there exists a disposition on the Japanese, as much as on the British side, to clarify the consequent confusion, and to keep the discussion to the simple points of difference, they should be capable of amicable settlement locally. Mr Chamberlain’s Tientsin statement was in answer to half-a-dozen searching questions. He began by a recital of the local developments since the blockade began-; and added: “On June 15, a crowd gathered by Chinese and Korean agitators collected outside the British concession. A detachment of the Durham Light Infantry was sent to support the British municipal police, but later was withdrawn, when the mob had been reduced to about 200. The barrier restrictions at Tientsin continue. All British subjects have been held up at the barriers, and rigorously searched, - and in some cases subjected to indignity. The entry of perishable foodstuffs and ice into the concession has been delayed by the

rigid search carried' out at the barriers, and continues, therefore, to be spasmodic. Normal supplies are reported to be reaching the market in the adjoining French concession. No special arrangements appear to be called for as yet, but further information on the subject is being sought from the authorities on the spot. On the morning of June 18, two British steamers'came up the river to Tientsin, without stoppage or search. Generally speaking, however, British vessels, including tugs and lighters, have been stopped and searched by the Japanese military authorities. After stating that protests had been addressed by Mr Jamieson to his Japanese colleague at Tientsin', and that Sir Robert Craigie had been instructed to take up these matters with Japan. Mr Chamberlain went on to inform the House of Britain’s views.

POLICY MEASURES. .He emphasised that the general position was not yet clear, and continued: “It would appear that the original demand for the handing over of the four men has been confused by the introduction of the larger issue of policy measures. No formal representations have been received from Japan, on this subject, and it is still hoped that, a local settlement will be found possible. Britain cannot but believe that Japan shares her own desire, not to 1 widen the area of disagreement, or render more acute the already difficult situation. At the same time, Britain is fully alive to the reactions of the present dispute on the position of other British and international settlements in China.” Britain was continuing to keep in closest touch with France and America.

Replying to supplementary questions, the Prime Minister said that the offer to refer the original question of the four suspects to an International Advisory Committee still stood, and he assured Mr Eden that the Government would do whatever was necessary, regarding food supplies to the nnn citi The food shortage in the British concession at Kulangsu was also raised, and Mr Butler gave similar assurances.

Mi’ Butler was also asked about the statement attributed to the Japanese spokesman at Shanghai, that despite British rights, the Japanese reserved the right to take summary action against any foreigner who, in Japanese opinion, endangered the safety of the Japanese forces in the occupied areas. He replied: “Lord Halifax has seen the Press reports of the statement in question. Britain does not recognise the right of the Japanese to arrest or detain British subjects in any circumstances, and Japan has been left in no doubt of Britain’s attitude in the matter.” BRITISH POLICY BLAMED. LONDON, June 19. A member of the Commons, Mr Herbert Morrison', in a speech at Salisbury, said: Japan is doing things which must cause the predecessors of Mr Chamberlain to turn in their graves. The difficulties in China are a direct result of the Government’s foreign policy since 1931. U.S. ON THE ALERT (Recd. June 20, 1 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 19. Mr. Hull, in a statement to the Press concerning Tientsin, said: “The Government is concerned with the original incident, relating to the requested delivery of the four Chinese. It is concerned, however, with the nature and significance of the subsequent developments. in their broader aspects, coupled with other past and present acts and utterances in other parts of China. The Government, therefore, is observing with special interest the de--1 velopments as they occur from day to day.” I This is interpreted to mean that the United States will resist any Japanese attempt to drive a wedge between British and American interests in the Ear East. CO-OPERATION SUGGESTED. LONDON, June 19. The Tokio correspondent of “The Times” says that the Foreign Office has informed the Press: “If the British will co-operate, we can deal with any question together,” but it would not define co-operation, nor restrict it to matters of peace and security.” The kernel of the Japanese grievance is the belief that British neutrality is being strained in favour of China, An unfortunte aspect is the

manner in which the issues have been allowed to create a trial of strength of British and Japanese prestige. Japan will almost certainly reject any American offer of intervention, but it would stimulate the desire for a direct settlement with Britain, in order to avoid rebuffing Washington. SITUATION AT KULANGSU. SHANGHAI, June 19. The food situation at Kulangsu, the British Concession at Amoy, is becoming worse. The return of the Japanese ConsulGeneral (Mr. Uchida) from Tokio Is expected to lead to more stringent measures with the object of realising the Japanese demands. An English and American committee is being formed, to arrange for the importation of food supplies by foreign ships. VICTIM OE POISONING. SHANGHAI, June 19. Hung Chih, who was one of the guests at file banquet held by the Nanking puppet Government, has died from the effects of drinking poisoned wine. He is the third victim. SEIZURE OF CONSULATE. MOSCOW, June 19. The Soviet has protested to Japan against the White Russians’ seizure of the Soviet Consulate at Tientsin, last. week. The newspaper “Ivestia” declares: Tientsin is only an excuse used by Japan to create a conflict. The Consular body is protesting against the decision of British and French army officials, to electrify for 31 miles the wire surrounding the British and French concessions . STOCK MARKETS BRIGHTER LONDON. June 19. A more-favourable view is taken in the City regarding the Far East situation, and the markets finished with a brighter appearance, though business ■was small. Gilt-edgeds are firm.