JAPAN’S DEFIANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 13 May 1933, Page 5

JAPAN’S DEFIANCE

TO THE LEAGUE

CRITICISM IN HOUSE OF LORDS

(United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright)

LONDON May II

In the House of Lords, Lord Cecil raised the question of the Far East and the Disarmament Coniei encei He

said that Japan had insolently defied the League of Nation?. Therefore Britain) apart from international action, mighi, at least, have taken as strong ii ttl action against Japan as she did. take against Russia when she imposed the embargo. Lord Cecil continued; Regarding Germany and the Disarmament Conference we have reached a crisis in international affairs. It is of the utmost importance that we should have a vigorous and consistent policy.

j Lord , Parmoor said that Britain ought to take the lead to bring peace : to China and Japak. I Lord Hailsham said that 'Britain’s policy . regarding iMahohuria wa? to continue full co-operation with the League of Nations. He said that the case of Russia and Japan was not parallel. We had already given notice to terminate the Russian trade agreement, but our commercial agreement with Japm could not 'be renounced for -a year. Regarding disarmament, he *aid that the Government had noted with courage, almost foolhardiness, in disarming in a- hope that other nations would do the game. He clflimed that Mr .MacDonald’s intervention had twice avoided a deadlock at the Disarmament Conference. The British draft disarmament convention was a fulfilment of our promises to Germany. If the latter country declined to paiticipate ;n the discussion, she must bake the responsiblity for failure. In this event, Germany would be bound by the Versailles Treaty. Any attempt on her part to re-arm would bring into operation that Treaty’s sanctions.

PLANES OVER PEKING

A CHINESE CLAIM.

SHANGHAI, May 12.

(Received this day at 9.4 U a.m.) Japanese aeroplanes continue periodic flights over Peking, increasing the tension locally. Heavy fighting continues inside the Wall with the Chinese slowly retreating.

When a huge Japanese bomber appeared over Peking to-day dropping handbills, the Chinese defences opened fire, causing a section of- the populace to stampede. 1 China claims unable to fulfil her treaty obligations in regard to the control of the- Chinese eastern* railway, owing to the Japanese invasion of .Manchuria ana other unforeseen developments. She further asserts that any attempt to sell the railway' to Marichukuo, or any other party, Would constitute grounds iov the severe " straining of Sino-Soviet relations.

Nanking contends that Russia possesses' 'only property rights, and no strategic rights whatever.