Dramatic Appeal Made By M. Boncour to Japan

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 February 1932, Page 7

Dramatic Appeal Made By M. Boncour to Japan

RENDERING- A SERVICE TO THE LEAGUE Received Sunday, 8.30 p.m. GENEVA, Feb. 20. A dramatic appeal to Japan -was made by M. Paul Boncour:. “Before the ground is red with blood and strewn with dead, will you'render this service to the League —to obtain a ‘ delay of hostilities to enable a further conference; of the parties with foreign repre--.sentatives? Otherwise we shall be faced with the tragic situation that, while we arc talking, a big battle "will be begun.” The Japanese spokesman said he would be able to appeal to Tokyo, provided the appeal also w-ere pressed upon China.

Dr. W. W. Yen, the Chinese delegate, alleged that the Japanese used dumdums and created a reign of terror in Shanghai, finally persisting in an intolerable ultimatum.

Baron Sato, in an hour’s speech, denied that the Japanese used dum-dums and poison gas, and explained that the bombing of a refugee camp was due to barbed wire entanglements misleading the aviators. A withdrawal from Shanghai would entail a renunciation of Japan’s rights in China, ■which no Government could face. Japan -would retire when her aim was attained.

Referring to Manchuria, Baron Sato declared that Japan was barred everywhere; she was not admitted to America or to the countries of the southern seas. He recalled that Japan protested ,against this inequality of races when the Assembly first met. If Japan were ejected from China what could she do? That, was why she. .had to think for herself regarding Manchuria, where she had invested immense capital. If Japan were going to be condemned for aggression it would J'e necessary to

condemn other Powers for similar acts, notably the Soviet’s annexation of parts of Mongolia. ~ M. Boncour finally appealed to Baron Sato to delay the expiration , of the ultimatum to enable a settlement. The British, Italian and German delegates associated themselves with tho appeal.