U.S. OBJECTS TO JAP. CONTROL OF CUSTOMS

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1937, Page 7

U.S. OBJECTS TO JAP. CONTROL OF CUSTOMS

(Received 10 a.m.)

WASHINGTON, November 27.

The United States will act simultaneously with Britain and France and possibly other countries in making representations to] Tokic expressing concern that Japan is taking Oyer the Chinese Customs organisations at Shanghai.

It is not disclosed whether this is connected with a conference between President Roosevelt and M. Troyanosky, Soviet Ambassador, today.

The Secretary of State, Mr Cqrdell Kuli, at a press conference, explained that the United States is greatly concerned about the possible impairment of the integrity of the Chinese Customs service, because a considerable part of the revenue is earmarked for foreign debts.

Peace Effofrts to Continue

Mr Roosevelt, at the press conference, reiterated that it was the intention of the United States to continue its efforts for peace and the'facilitation of a cessation of the SinoJapanese conflict, if and when circumstances ■were propitious.

No immediate mo,ve was contemplated and, in any event, it would be made only in conjunction with other Powers. Considerable significance is seen in the intention of Mr Davis to return from Brussels to the United States, instead of going to London- for further discussions.

Might he Misinterpreted,

It is felt that nothing would be served by his going there, whereas it might be misinterpreted, not only in China and Japan, but by Congress. There is no desire for conversations in London to touch off a debate on foreign affairs in Congress on the assumption that important steps, in which the United States might take a leading part, were impending.