BRITAIN’S REPLY TO JAP. NOTE

Northern Advocate, 3 January 1938, Page 5

BRITAIN’S REPLY TO JAP. NOTE

(Received 10 a.m.) RUGBY, January 1

A British Note to the Japanese Government in reply to :he Japanese Note, was delivered by tine Ambassador in Tckio to-day. It stales that the British Government has noted with appreciation the assurances contained in he Japanese Note, and the fact that the Japanese statements apply to merchant vessels concerned, as well as to warships. /

The British Government, however, observes that its information in regard to the circumstances in which the attack was made, notably, for instance, on the point of visibility, is at variance with that of the Japanese Government.

Puniisli merit Measures,

The British Government notes with satisfaction that the Japanese Government has taken, or is prepared to take, the necessary measures to deal suitably with officers responsible for these incidents and to prevent any repetition.

Regarding Ihe latter, the British Government considers that details of . these measures and their effective, ap-' plication may suitably form the subject of further conversations, in the course of which it does not .doubt it will bo informed of the actual steps decided upon. Objectionable Tone.

‘‘The Times ’ says: “There is nothing unexpected about Japan’s reply to Britain. Her militarists’ explanations are wholly incompatible on several important points with the facts as .the commanders of the vessels reported them to the British Government.

“Their tone, in places, is object- • tionable. Even if this were not so, Japanese diplomatic procedure does not correspond with the recognised methods used between Governments, farEven before Japan gave hefrett - reaching assurance of future overe-' behaviour, her fighting servicesl the guilty of grave discourtesy towantish British Ambassador and the Eli Government. ,mos- “ This will not improve the Sf’derphere in which the Cabinet is cohh mg the Note, but its guarantee w Mj; impressive on paper, and nobod^ ce P'‘ complain if Britain decides to act them and await events.”