CHINESE AFFAIRS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 29 November 1928, Page 9

CHINESE AFFAIRS

ANGLO-JAPANESE RELATIONS.

CLOSE CONSULTATION.

FOREIGN SECRETARY EXPLAINS

.United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) Received 1.30 p.m. to-day. LONDON, Nov. 28. Questioned about the relations of Great Britain and Japan in regard to China, Sir Austen Chamberlain, in the House of Commons, said that these were' based on obligations of the full and frank communication specified in the Washington China treaty of 1922, and on the fact that Japan and Great Britain had pinch larger interests in ‘China than the other Washington 1 Powers. In these circumstances the two Governments had agreed; informally that a close contact which they desired to maintain could best be promoted and developed by constant communication and consultation between their respective Ministers at Peking. There 'were no conversations proceeding between the Governments regarding China other than this informal exchange of information and views, which' he hoped would be continued. This arrangement was not a new de- ! parture, but was the natural consequence of the Washington obligations. Similar convesations and consultation, took place between the British Minister and the Ministers of other Powers at- Peking. Colonel Wedgwood (Labour) asked if there was the same consultation and collaboration with America as with Japan. Sir Austen Chamberlain replied that from the very first day he took office his earnest desire had been to work harmoniously both with the United States and Japan in i-espeot to com- 1 men interests. He was quite certain the answer he bad given would not be new to Washington. He added that one of the very first steps which he took on assuming office was to express the hope that this ooiiYitry and the United States might- pursue n common policy and at any rate consult freely in regard to all matters in relation to China. I