CHINA & JAPAN

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1938, Page 5

CHINA & JAPAN

LUNGHAI BATTLE

eight jap armies engaged.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright;.

LONDON, February 10,

The battle of Lunghai is developing on a front of four hundred miles, says the Shanghai correspondent of “'ITio Times.” The Japanese are estimated to be employing eight main armies.

FOREIGN LEGION IN CHINA

INCLUDES 550 AIRMEN,

LONDON, February 10

The Pekin correspondent of “The Times” says: General Ternuclii’s heartquarters here - assert that there is a Foreign Legion fighting in China, which consists of 315 Russians, 152 Americans, 124 Frenchmen, 55 British, and 5 others. Of the total of 651 members, 550 are air pilots and anti-aircraft gunners.

NEW PEKIN GOVERNMENT

PEKIN, February 7

The provisional Government'lias established de facto relations with Mauchukuo, to which it has appointed a-Consul-General.

INTER NATIONAL SETTLEMENT

RUGBY, February 7

A negative answer was given by Mr Eden when asked in the Commons if llis Majesty’s Government had in any way altered its view as to the continuance of the International Settlement at Shanghai, and the maintenance of the present administration. STATEMENT DENIED TN AMERICA. WASHINGTON, February 10. The Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull), commenting on Professor Gilbert Murray’s statement in London that Britain had assured the United States of support in the event of involvement in Far Eastern difficulties threatening the United States, said ho had not heard of sucii assurances from Britain or from any other country.

NEW AMBASSADOR ARRIVES. HANKOW February if. ) “T have not brought peace proposals from the Japanese Government. Even if requests were made,, I would refuse to comply,” said Mr Usui ILih Ying, the Chinese Ambassador to Tokio. arvr his arrival following a, recall. He added that many. Japanese who were not desirous of war, calierl at the Embassy before his departure ami expressed the belief that the .war would weaken both countries, 1 “I am convinced that this war may do worse than—destroy both nations.” Many Chinese nationals in Japan arrested and tortured the president of tlie Chinese Residents Association in revenge for a gunman who was tortured to death. NEWSPA PER COM MENT. NEW YORK,’ February 9. Tlie “New York Sun,” in a h‘Ye>r, says: Mr Hull's categorical denials regarding a United States understanding or agreement with any Power should put an end to the unbased belief entertained by many persons, that Britain lias succeeded in enlisting tlie United States as an ally for tlie defence of the British Asiatic Empire. This belief has been assiduously cultivated by ‘ British propagandists. There lias been much talk of common responsibilities and parallel couiv-w. The United States’ acceptance of Australia’s invitation to send a naval .squadron to the gave an opportunity for surprising tales to gain circulation. When, soon after this, it was announced that a squadron would be present for the ceremonies at Singapore, even more amazing tales went to Congressmen, ivho are not less gulible than others. Whatever measure of acceptance the rumours won at the Capitol, they were recognised as appropriate pegs on which to bang questions. Those questions at present are answered, and the answers are what, sensible Americans confidently expected.

'l'he “New York Times” continues a series of leaders on parallel lines, stating: It is unnecessary and unwarranted to look for an ulterior motive in tlie consultations with Britain regarding the Orient. The two nations have simitar interests to face, with common risks and dim gees, and it would he criminal folly for them to fail to explore each others purposes and methods. But the goal is not in some secret understanding; it is. rather, to seek openly and independently, hut b,v similar action when the circumstances are similar, to take the most effective steps possible to protect national interests. Then' is hound to be a consultation between Britain and America, not only regarding the Ear East, hut other troubled areas, whenever a threat to ponce arises, or a. treaty which both have signed is thrown aside. This is not because a dei'p plot is being hatched, hut it is because the two great democracies have a common interest in an orderly and stable world. JAP. NAVAL PLANS. WASHINGTON, Felimary 10. The U.S, Na.vv authorities officially