Formula for Tientsin Issue Eases British-Japanese Tension

Northern Advocate, 22 July 1939, Page 8

Formula for Tientsin Issue Eases BritishJapanese Tension

(Received 11 a.m.) LONDON, July 21. fJIHE BRITISH UNITED PRESS CORRESPONDENT AT TOKIO REPORTS

THAT SIR ROBERT CRAIGIE, BRITISH AMBASSADOR, AND MR HACHIRO ARITA, JAPANESE FOREIGN' MINISTER, AGREED ON A FORMULA FOR NEGOTIATIONS OVER THE TIENTSIN ISSUE. THE AMBASSADOR SENT A COPY OF THE AGREEMENT, CONSISTING OF A SINGLE PARAGRAPH, TO LONDON.

It is understood that Japan’s original demands have been somewhat watered down, but the agreement satisfies the demand that Britain should recognise that war conditions exist in China, also the difficulties under which the Japanese army is operating.

The American Press Association c orrespondent at Tokio says it is understood that Sir Robert Craigie’s concessions relate to assistance to China, which is justified under the Nine-Power Treaty.

The Tokio Dome! News Agency says well-informed circles believe the crisfs has passed as the result of today’s meeting.

After hearing Mr Arita’s reports of.

his talk, Baron Hiranuma, Prime Minister, summoned a special meeting of Cabinet for tomorrow. He further summoned a special meeting of the Diet, probably for Thursday, to hear the explanation of the negotiations. Change in British Policy? Commenting on Mr Chamberlain’s speech in the House of Commons, the Foreign Office spokesman says Japan has not the slightest intention of forcing Britain to change her policy in the Far East, but Britain should realise the facts and voluntarily change her attitude.

The “Kokutein,” which is the organ of the army anti-British movement, is strongly urging the Government immediately to implement the ItaloJapanese military alliance against the British.

The Tokio correspondent of “The Times” indicates that the formula submitted to London is a modification of the Japanese phraseology in deference to Mr Chamberlain’s refusal to alter Britain’s foreign policy at the behest of another foreign Power. Negotiations are being conducted under a barrage of press menaces. Even the moderate “Nichf Nichi Shimbun” declares that Japan’s fundamental proposals must be accepted, while Right Wing circles demand an immediate military alliance with Italy and Germany. Army Leaders Consulted. It is understood that the Army was consulted after Sir Robert Craigie had written his reply on Wednesday to Japan’s demands, after which it was decided that, unless the demands were conceded, it would be useless to continue negotiations. The Japanese are now very aptimistic that a detent has been reached, but no confirmation is obtainable in British quarters. Violent anti-British demonstrations continue in Tokio. The Osaka “Mainichi” declares that the China emergency has reached a stage at which Japan will have to fight, not only China, but Britain and Russia.