STATUS QUO AIM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20623, 26 November 1941, Page 5

STATUS QUO AIM

JAP. CONCESSIONS POSSIBLE AGREEMENT LEAVE INDO-CHINA (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed, Nov. 26, 9 a.m.) NEW YORK, Nov. 25. The New York Times’ Washington correspondent says mat while optimism regarding tne Japanese-Ameri-can conversations is not abandoned it is less in evidence in well-iniormed circles than on Saturday. The correspondent states that it appears increasingly nicely tnat a status quo agreement witn Japan is now being sought, rather man a nnai solving oj. tile Ear .Eastern difficulties. It is also stated that there is hope that Japan would agree to withdraw her troops from indo-China and esenew moves either southward or northward in return for some loosening of the enononne curbs which are virtually blockading her. The United Press of America states that the Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, conferred lor two hours last night with the A.B.C.D. envoys as the Japanese-American talks entered a phase of uncertainty. Mr. Hull has not met the Japanese since Saturday and there is no indication as to when the conversations will be resumed. In contrast to their cheerful appearance on Saturday the representatives of the A.B.C.D. Powers attending a conference last night emerged' grim and silent. The British Ambassador, Viscount Halifax, said he had nothing to add to what was said on Saturday. Replying to a question, he said he stood on Saturday's statement that he was always an optimist. The State Department announced that the conference was a continuation of the discussions previously held. One or more further meetings were contemplated. Earlier in the day, Mr. Hull, at a press conference, said the Japanese negotiations had so far been confined to talk rather than any definite undertaking of any decisions.