JAPAN’S GRIP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 77, 28 February 1938, Page 9

JAPAN’S GRIP.

FOREIGN TRADE IN DANGER. PROTEST UNAVAILING. ''' LONDON, Feb. 16. ' The policy of the Japanese at Shanghai is threatening’ all foreign trade through the port with extinction. More than half of China’s imports are normally delievered at Shanghai. A great part of Australia’s exports to China are affected. The Japanese are violating all the Shanghai trade laws, and disregarding the integrity of the Customs administration and the rights of foreign Powers. The British authorities, after consultation with Dominion representatives in London, have made vigorous protests, but the Japanese reply offers virtually no alleviation. It fs doubtful whether anything can be done to save British and Dominion trade, since the Japanese have taken complete control and intend to retain it. EVASION OF DUTIES. A despatch which has reached the British Government discloses that the Japanese regard all their ships as “transports,” and compel the Customs to admit all the cargoes the ships carry from Japan without duty. The cargoes include thousands of pounds worth of provisions, hardware, rayon, paper, and sugar, which are sold at “knock-down” prices, thus hopelessly undercutting foreign imports. Only two Japanese cargoes have paid duty since the conflict began. On the other hand, foreign ships arc compelled to unload at Japanese wharves. They are boarded by Japanese Customs who exclude the foreign Customs officers and impose full duties. Moreover, even if foreign goods are also carried on board Japanese ship they are charged full duties. The Japanese repudiation of the Customs regulations is so blatant that Japanese ships do not now bother to carry manifests. Apart from ousting foreign trade, Japan’s action in not respecting the integrity of the Customs threatens the revenues from which foreigns loans are served. There are po means of oircumvcntuting the Japanese, who apart from commandeering the wharves, control all the surrounding waters.