EVENTS IN CHINA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23418, 7 August 1939, Page 9

EVENTS IN CHINA

JAPANESE ENMITY TREATMENT OF BRITONS VIOLENT FEELINGS ' AROUSED MR. CHAMBERLAIN ANGRY By lelograph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless LONDON, Aur. -1 "However our feelings may be exasperated by things that are happening in the Far East—and I can assure members that I fully'share the most violent feelings that anybody can have—it makes my blood boil to read of some of the things that have been happening there," said Mr. Chamberlain in a speech on the I'ar East in the House of Commons. "But, however much our emotions may he roused, lot us not forget the liabilities we have already assumed, nor the position of our fellow countrymen and women already 011 the spot," added the Prime Minister. "1 have tried to give the House an indication of the balance of considerations which we have to take account of in the Far East. We shall endeavour, in continuing the negotiations, to preserve to the utmost extent the principles which have hitherto governed our conduct there, and we shall preserve to the utmost extent the interests and fortunes of British subjects there. Nearer Problems to Consider • "Wo shall endeavour to show patience and exercise reasonable moderation. Above all let us not forget that we have graver and nearer problems to consider in the course of the next few months, and Ave must conserve our forces to meet any emergency that may arise." Mr. Chamberlain paid a tribute to the British Ambassador to Japan, Sir Robert Craigie, who, he said, was carrying on at present witli great skill, coolness and courage, negotiations of extreme difficulty. The Times says Britain shares-. Mr. Chamberlain's indignation toward Japan, says a United Press Association message. The Japanese militarists must not be allowed to capitalise misinterpretations of British policy. Labour Paper Blames Premier The News Chronicle detects unexpected resolution in Mr. Chamberlain's resistance to the Japanese pretentions, but adds that Mr. Chamberlain gave no satisfactory reason for not emulating America's denunciation of the trado treaty, though this would have a tremendous moral effect. The Daily Herald comments: "Mr. Chamberlain's blood boils. So does ours. It boils the more when we reflect that what is happening is mostly the fault of Mr. Chamberlain aud his friends, whose policy from 1931 to 1938 compounded vacuous optimism with sympathy for the aggressor, but grim experience has now taught Mr. Chamberlain some measure of realism." The article continues: "Britain can still co-operate with the United States and consult the Dominions regarding the best use of economic power, and can still refuse to become Japan's accomplice in China." STIFFER ATTITUDE PROBLEM FOR BRITAIN POLICY OF AUSTRALIA LORD SAMUEL'S CRITICISM t LONDON, Aug. 4 In the House of Lords to-day, Viscount Samuel hinted that Australia was partly responsible for Britain's reluctance to adopt a stiffer attitude against Japan in the Tokio negotiations. "I trust the Government and the people of Australia will recognise that the policy of constant retreat is not one that is likely to succeed in the long run," he said. "It is inconsistent with the dignity and interests of the British Empire, and would result merely in loss of honour without buying security.

"If the Tokio talks fail, I hope our attitude will bo greatly stiffened."

In the House of Commons, Mr. R. A. Butler, Foreign Under-Secretary, replied to a barrage of questions about the detention of Lieutenant-Colonel Spear, says the Independent Cable Service. Ho said ho had no further information, but tho Government was taking a very serious viow of this case, and tho possibility of future action against Japan was under consideration. Ho added that Colonel Spear was detained at Kalgan, and there had been delay in providing him with certain amenities.