Keep Off The Grass Hints To Britain

Northern Advocate, 31 January 1938, Page 5

Keep Off The Grass Hints To Britain

■United press Association. —By Flectrk Telegraph.—Covy right, i (Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON. January 30. “I am afraid that if Britain goes beyond the policy o L simply defending her interests in China and makes a determined stand to maintain her political and economic relations with Kuomintang, a very serious conflict with Japan may arise,” declared Gem oral Matsui, Japanese Commander, in an interview at Shanghai. He added: “There is no doubt about Britain’s Far East policy. Her support of the Kuomintang is emphasised by the steadiness of China’s exchange since the outbreak of hostilities and the large amount of arms and ammunition supplied. “Japanese action may have offended Britain, but Britain cannot take action behind Japan’s back in China, which is Japan’s lifeline, and is essential for her expansion, especially after Japan’s own growth and development. “Nevertheless, I must not be represented as seeking trouble with Britain, with whom I desire co-operation.” Campaign in South China? Questioned in the Diet at Tokio yesterday, the Foreign Minister, Mr Hirota, said: “If Marshal Chiang Kaishek compels us to do so, we shall take adequate steps in South China in accordance with the exigiencies of the situation. In such a case, Hongkong, being British territory, ought to maintain perfect neutrality. In an interview, Admiral Hasegawa said: “I will never attack Hongkong. I do not believe our military operations will necessitate the occupation of Hainan either. Even if I decided to operate against Canton, I do not behove foreigners, notably British, would play a serious part in the Chinese resistance.”