THREATENED BLOCKADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21426, 25 February 1933, Page 11

THREATENED BLOCKADE

PORTS OF CHINA DISCUSSION IN JAPAN ECONOMIC BOYCOTT REPRISAL NATION URGED TO BE READY (Received February 24, 11.25 p.m.) KOBE, Feb. 24 The Japanese press discusses the possibilities of an economic blockade,. although it denies apprehensions. Mr. Washio, a well-known publicist, follows Mr. Hanzawa, editor of the Diplomatic Review, in proclaiming that in the event of an economic boycott Japan will blockade all China's ports and monopolise her trade. The newspaper Ashahi demands the early formation of an economic bloc in Manehukuo as a safeguard. The Chugai Shogyo, a commercial newspaper, declares that Japan's withdrawal from the League of Nations does not, mean hostility to the League but a " Return to Asia " instead of subservience to AngloSaxonism.

The Hochi, quoting Admiral Osumi's call to the Navy to be ready, declares that all Japan must, answer the same call and be prepared for hardships as a result of an economic blockade. It denounces " the sugary optimism of luxurious indulgence." Tlie Nichinichi denounces foreign attempts to discriminate between the military and public opinion, and says the nation is unanimous.

LABOUR'S DEMAND

STOPPAGE OF SUPPLIES JAPAN AND LEAGUE COVENANT LONDON, Feb. 23 The executive of the Labour Parly and the council of the Trades Union Congress passed a joint resolution that if Japan rejects the proposals of the Committee of Nineteen of the League of Nations, all sections of the British Labour movement should unite in calling for economic boycott of Japan in accordance with Article XVI. of the League Covenant.

It was also decided to recommend the Government to place an embargo on the export of arms both to Japan and China.

Article XVI. of the League Covenant lays it down in the event of a member of the League going to war in violation of the articles of the Covenant, it shall, ipso facto, be deemed to have committed an act of war against all the members of the League. The latter undertake immediately to sever all trade and financial relations with it. It is left to the council of the League to recommend to member States military, naval and air action in addition.

POIGNANT APPEAL

CHINA TO THE LEAGUE WHOLESALE SLAUGHTER FEARED SHANGHAI. Feb. 23 Despatches from Nanking state that China will appeal to the League of Nations to-morrow to exert international force to prevent " the wholesale slaughter of men who are practically unarmed and unclothed."

Mr. Lo Wen-kan, Foreign Minister, is reported to have said that China is not begging the League to help her but is giving it a chance to prevent wholesale and indefinite slaughter. Mr. Lo Wen-kan continued: —"A cruel and, bloody war on North China is being prepared. We will ask in the name of humanity that it be stopped somehow. " If help does not come China is prepared for sacrifice. She has no illusions about the situation. Her men are practically unarmed and unequipped."