Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE TUESDAY, JULY 16, 1940 FAR EAST PROBLEM.

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 July 1940, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE TUESDAY, JULY 16, 1940 FAR EAST PROBLEM.

of the reports concerning An glo-Jap a ri e s e negotiations have come from unofficial sources, and, thus, Jacked value. The statement by the Acting Governor of the Straits Settlements (Mr. S. W. •Tones) that the talks had as one aim the ending of the JapaneseChinese war, and that Britain “would go to the greatest lengths” to avoid prolonging the war, seemed to be of a different character. It .suggested that China

was to be deserted —for the time being—by Britain, and that Japanese demands regarding the supplies for China by way of Burma, would beCconceded. It is now stated in London that Mr. Jones’s statement was unauthorised,' and did not represent the British Government’s attitude. Certainly, it appeared strange that so important a decision should have been first announced from Singapore, and not London or Tokio.

China, early expressed regret and resentment at the reported British decision. If supplies from Burma were stopped, the Chinese

would depend on a road to Russian sources., and this would add to Chinese difficulties, even if the material were available. British sympathies are with China in the struggle against Japan, as has been proved often during the past three years. So much so, that the

Japanese are incensed, declaring that this British support has enabled the Chinese to oppose the Japanese forces for so long. This anger accounts for the many pinpricks Japan has inflicted on BriI tish interests in recent years, British patience encouraging the Japanese to put on the pressure. The war in Europe is engaging Britain’s main attention, at present, and Japan is not neglecting the opportunity of attaining her wishes, or some of these. The U.S.A, apparently, is unwilling, or not ready, to go to extremes in the Far East, and, thus, Britain has to deal with a serious pro-

blem. With, the best will in the world to help the Chinese, Britain must face the facts of her own position, in the Far East as well as elsewhere, and she would, be illadvised to seek further trouble. It is possible that consultations with the Australian and New Zealand Governments, have shaped Britain’s policy. A rupture with Japan would be unwelcome to the Commonwealth and Dominion, if it can be honourably avoided. Britain is not called upon, to be the sole moral mentor of the Far East, no matter the cost to herself. It is the duty of other Powers to take their full share if they desire justice to be done to China.

It must be expected that KaiShek and his officials will declare that Japan is bluffing, and that Britain has only to stand firm to win the battle of wits —and the war for China. The British Ambassador and others in the Far East are in a position to advise the Home Government as to the truth of the whole position, and the

issue must be left to them. China, should appeal to other Powers, less involved than Britain is today. It will not help China’s case by making threats of a later coalition with Japan against Britain. If such a coalition is possible, there is one. less Chinese argument in favour of continuing the present Avar.■'Were Britain’s hands free, she could afford to adopt a stronger attitude in the Far East. To-day, she has to accept compromise. China may have to do likewise. Meanwhile, it would be well for Overseas to await official statements from Britain.