Britain’s Policy in the Far East

Northern Advocate, 29 July 1938, Page 6

Britain’s Policy in the Far East

RUGBY. July 27. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Viscount Halifax, speaking in the House of Lords referred to the situation in the Far East, and said that during the last year events had been happening there that had deceived the hopes of those who had looked for a better era in the history of the world. By passing certain resolutions, the League of Nations had succeeded in fixing judgment on the conflict. The Nine-Power Conference at Brussels was not in agreement on the question of intervention in the conflict. There was, however, the other aspect, proceeded Lord Halifax. It was true that Britain, for over a century, had many interests in China. Japan claimed that the action she was taking was in defence of her own interests, and Britain claimed she had the right to protect British interests. The Government accepted its responsibilities in China, and had every intention of discharging them. ‘We are quite ready to consider, and are considering, possible action open to us if we do not secure adequate consideration of our own rights,” said Lord Halifax.' These matters at present were under discussion between the British Ambassador to Japan, Sir Robert Craigie, and the Japanese Minister of War, LieutenantGeneral Itagaki, but as those discussions had not been concluded, the House would be informed Of the result at the earliest possible moment.