CHINA AND JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1931, Page 5

CHINA AND JAPAN

LEAGUE HOPELESS.

JAPAN REFUSES TO WITHDRAW. (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Co *yright.) PARIS, November 19. The slender hopes of a settlement over Manchuria have been dispelled by a Japanese note to M. Briand. Although agreeable to the despatch of the League Commission to iMjanohmia, Japan refuses to withdraw her troops until a new Treaty is directly negotiated by China, conifirming the present treaties and Japan’s five points. Japan declares that even if the security of the Japanese subjects and property in Manchuria seems assured, Japan is maintaining her military occupation there because she feels that the Nanking Government is a tool of the Anti-Japanese Kuomintang, and is powerless to maintain order. Japan states they cannot consider the proposals of the League Councillors for certain China-Japan negotiations coinciding with evacuation. CHINESE DELE GAT E. M. -Sze has sent a note to the Council in thq bluntest terms, asking whether the Kellogg Pact and the League Covenant possessed any valid force and if so, why no concerted action has been taken, M. Sze threatened to invoke Articles Fifteen and Sixteen of the League Covenant. If the League failed, China would be forced publicly to blame the Powers for their unwillingness to lift a finger to defend the League’s solemn covenant.

The British delegates are -pressing for a public meeting, at which the Chinese and Japanese could state the proposals. All the channels to a settlement under Article Eleven have seemingly been exhausted.

The League Council is confronted with an inextricable dilemma. It is doubtful whether the Council is prepared to enforce 'the Sanctions ol Article 'Sixteen. WHAT IS RUSSIA’S POSITION? WASHINGTON, November 20. Russia’s quiescent attitude toward the wiar in Manchuria is giving vise to reports of a secret Japanese-Russian understanding, and has stirred renewed speculation here to-day. Officials were puzzled by the continued Russian silence}, as the Japanese troops have penetrated further into the Russian zone. The United States officials will not discuss the Russian angle-. CHINESE COMMAND. JAPANESE ACTION. DEMAND FOR WAR. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m) SHANGHAI, November 20. Nanking bias officially announced that all Chinese armed forces in Manchuria are placed under the command of General Mu Chusan, Governoi of Heilungkiang province, as a preparatory step for united Chinese action against the Japanese. A temporary Government has been established at Tsitsihar under the 7e,aderership of General Changehingchu and under Japanese supervision, order has been restored.

A Harbin message states Chinese officials loyal to Nanking are preparing to evacuate, and arc expected to be replaced by officials appointed by the Japanese who are -extending.- the sphei e of Japanese influence to the furthest point for many years., The principal student organisations hereabouts have presented a combined petition to Nanking requesting a declaration of war on Japan.

MILITARY ATTACHES EN ROUTE. TOKIO, November 20.

At the invitation of the Government British, American, and other military attaches are leaving to-morrow for Manchuria.