JAPAN’S AIMS

Grey River Argus, 30 April 1938, Page 3

JAPAN’S AIMS

IN CHINA. PLANS ANNOUNCED. Mr Sogo, president of the China Development Company, an off-shoot of the South Manchuria Railway Company, which is taking an active part in the economic drive in North China, was in Osaka last month in order to meet Kwansai businessmen in connection with the establishment of the North China Cotton Plantation Company, states the Japan “Chronicle.” Interviewed, Mr Sogo said that in exploiting North China, the inhabitants there must first be given homes and work. For this purpose, it is necessary to develop electric resources and to establish water works. Arrangements are already being made with the Electric Federation, an organ of leading powercompanies in Japan, for the development of power resources in North China.

Mr Sogo said that various undertakings to be pushed by the new North China Development Company may occasionally clash with Chinese or foreign undertakings, but that this cannot be helped. Efforts should be made by both sides to minimise friction and to co-operate as far a» possible.

For the development of agriculture, especially cotton planting, Mr Sogo said that riparian work along the Yellow River is a necessary preliminary. The whole scheme will involve a large cost, and efforts must be made to invite foreign capital. Since Japan will be the largest buyer of cotton to be grown in North China, it is only natural that Japan should take the most active role ;n the scheme.

Touching on the future position of his company, Mr Sogo explained that the company will be dissolved after the establishment of the North China Development Company, the semi-of-ficial concern, as its mission as a pioneer will then come to an end. All interests in various undertakings will be transferred to the new concern. Referring to the currency reform, Mr Sogo said that every effort should be made to ensure the success of the new currency system He expressed the belief that “the Jewish interests” will eventually come to support the new system, despite disturbing reports circulated in some quarters as to their attitude.

. The Futai and Company, a joint undertaking of the Formosan Development Company the China Development Company and sugar traders in Formosa, is to make an advance in Central China.

Its staff members are already in Shanghai to conduct the necessary investigations. It is believed that the company will start business in lines other than those in which the Central China Reconstruction Company a semiofficial concern, will be inter-

The Central China Reconstruction Company is going to start electric water works, gas and transport (bus and shipping) businesses. P b