JAPANESE PLAN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 138, 13 May 1941, Page 5

JAPANESE PLAN

“PEACE” IN CHINA. LONDON, May 11. The Japanese Ambassador to Nanking (Air Honda) is returning to Japan with a plan based on an agreement between ttio Army, Navy and Foreign Service lor peace hi China, says the Shanghai correspondent ot tlie Tokio Nieln Niclii. Air Honda, in an interview, said lie had been informed that Chungking wanted the wholesale withdrawal ol Japanese troops as the prerequisite for the opening or negotiations. However, peace would be possible only through tlie strengthening of the Nanking regime, which Japan intended to do. An assurance that tlie Burma Road would remain open was given by the British Ambassador to China (Sir Archibald Clark. Kerr). Rumours had heen circulated by the Japanese suggesting that the British Government was contemplating a change in its policy in the Far East.

"With the full authority of the Foreign Secretary (Hr Eden) lie was able to state that there was no f kind of foundation for the rumours. The policy of His Majesty's Government of friendship for China, as shown in the reopening of tlie Burma Road, remained unchanged Sixty-three Japanese bombers raided Chungking. About 50 people were killed and the house of Sir Archibald was damaged. . Urging immediate and positive realisation of the Japanese southward advance policy,, the noted commentator. Air Tokutomi, in an article in the AH chi Nichi Shimbun. declares that collision between America and Japan is a foregone conclusion and adds: “It would he the height oi misfortune ior Japan to ignore this danger.” He asserts that Washington already is so near China that the AVashington and Chungking Governments may be considered a single entity and that as tar as Japan is concerned it would be nearer the truth to say that Alarshal Chiang Kai-shek is- lighting for America rather than to say that America is aiding Chungking.