NORTHERN CHINA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 26 May 1936, Page 5

NORTHERN CHINA

SMUGGLING OPERATIONS BRITISH EFFORTS TO CHECK IT FOREIGN SECRETARY ANSWERS QUESTIONS (British Official Wireless) (Received 26th May, 12.5 p.m.) RUGBY, 25th May. The Foreign Secretary, Mr Anthony Eden, was called upon to answer more than half a dozen questions in the House of Commons on the growth of smuggling in Northern China. Mr Anthony Eden stated that the report of the Inspector-General of Maritime Customs was being examined. Information at the disposal of the Government tended to confirm the report that Customs officials at those stations in the demilitarised zone as well as vessels operating in its coastal waters were prevented by the Japanese military authorities from carrying arms, and there was also reason to believe that officers of the Chinese Customs Service were being prevented from carrying out their duties on trains in the demilitarised zone. The principal agents engaged in the smuggling traffic in North China are said to be Japanese and Koreans, although some Chinese might be taking part. VIEWED WITH CONCERN Mr Eden declared that the House was already aware of the concern with which the British Government viewed this situation, and of the steps which had been taken to bring the need for more effective action to check this illiict traffic to the urgent notice of the Chinese and Japanese Governments. The British Ambassador at Tokio had kept in close touch with the representatives of other Governments interested. The Foreign Secretary added that he understood that representations had also been made to the Japanese Government by the United States Ambassador. His Majesty’s Government would continue to watch the situation with the closest attention. OLIVE BRANCH TO JAPAN CHINA WANTS FRIENDSHIP (Received 26th May, 10.0 a.m.) NANKING, 25th May. Holding out the olive branch to Japan the Foreign Minister, Mr Chang-Chun, urged immediate discussions to re-adjust Sino-Japanese relationships. He emphasised that China had vere contemplated political alliances and was not attempting to play off distant powers against her neighbours. Sino-Japanese friendship was an immediate necessity. A simple move from Japan would end smuggling, which was threatening the foundation of the Chinese economic structure.