AT GENEVA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 40, 1 February 1932, Page 8

AT GENEVA

TENSE ATMOSPHERE LEAGUE FACING MOST DIFFICULT CRISIS IN ITS HISTORY. JAP. AND CHINESE DECLARATIONS. Geneva, Jan. 29. There is a tense atmosphere, members realising that the League is facing one of the most difficult crisis in its history. This was increased by Mr Sato’s declaration that possibly world peace might be compromised by events at Shanghai. The crowded Council listened in deep silence to Mr Yen and Mr Sato stating their cases. Mr Yen declared that Japan's action directly violated tho pact, necessitating China’s invocation of the articles. Mr Yen read a telegram denouncing Japanese aggression, for which, he added. Japan must bear the full responsibility. Mr Sato, regretting that develop ments had not permitted the liquidation of the Sino-Japanese dispute, declared that Japan was not wholly at fault Mr Yen’s telegram asserted that Japanese sailors attacked unprovoked. r n the contrary, his telegrams, equally official, showed how the anti-Japanese menace had repeatedly grown, resulting in the landing of marines to protect the Japanese district on the advice of the commander of the foreign naval forces. Chinese regulars attacked tha marines, also the Japanese headquart

which were forced to self-defence. He added that the Chinese invocation of ti article made worse ar already delicate and dangerous situation and increased the difficulties of a settlement.

The Council accepted Sir Eric Drummond's proposal to appoint a commission composed of representative League members at Shanghai to investigate events and report to the League.

Rumours that China had decided to declare war caused excited comment.

ATTITUDE OF FRANCE. Paris, Jan. 29. It is authoritatively stated that the Government doubtless will join any collective demonstration the Powers undertake. It is opposed to isolated action, but it is emphasised that the French concession is not menaced like the international settlement. APPEAL TO COMMON SENSE. DEPLORABLE STATE OF AFFAIRS London, Jan. 29. “The state of affairs at Shanghai are deplorable,” said Mr MacDonald, speaking in his constituency for the first time since the general election. “For tho moment I do not assign the blame, I do not take sides, but every sane man will agree that the experience is disappointing in view of the world’s great Governments’ efforts to establish peace. I appeal to every one concerned to sheath their swords and allow commonsensc to reason and solve difficulties. ’ ’

“SHAMEFUL AND GROTESQUE.”

BERLIN PRESS COMMENT. Berlin, Jan. 30. The “Vossische Zeitung” states: “It is shameful and grotesque that the Japanese and Chinese delegates should meet to discuss disarmament when their soldiers are waging a bloody war.” The “Berliner Tageblatt” states: “If the Powers indulging In high sounding phrases at Geneva about world peace remain inactive world peace will become a dead word. Germania is of opinion that the United States and Britain strongly oppose Japan’s action and fears possibly catastrophic consequences.” ITALY WANTS PEACE. DESIRE TO MAINTAIN TRADE. Rome, Jan. 30. Signor Mussolini is closely following developments, as his daughter is married to the Italian Consul-General in Shanghai. Italy, owing to her desire to maintain trade with China and Japan, will support any proposal promising tho restoration of peace.