FRIENDLY TONE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23435, 26 August 1939, Page 16

FRIENDLY TONE

JAPANESE ARMY BRITAIN'S POLICY CO-OPEKATION HOPES CHANGED SITUATION J3y Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received August 25, 7.2J0 p.i 11.) LONDON. Aug. 25 Despatches from ■ Shanghai say the changed attitude of Japan to Britain, evidenced in the past two days, is strikingly reflected in the Japanese Army's newspaper, the Sinshunpao. In a leading article the journal expresses hopes that England will co-operate with Japan, "since the situation is now radically changed." According to Renter's Shanghai correspondent the acute rice shortage has caused further serious riots. It is believed that the Japanese had intended to hold all foreign ureas to ransom by a food blockade, fi,nd then march in when the situation was out of hand, but that this plan has been postponed, owing to the Gernuin-Soviet agreement. The idea that there will be new blockades on the lines of that at Tientsin is now scouted. LANDING AT SHANGHAI 6000 JAPANESE TROOPS POLITICAL SITUATION OBSCURE SHANGHAI, Aug. 21 It is estimated that 6000 Japanese troops liiive landed in the Shanghai area, but the nature of the intended action is not disclosed. The occupation of the international Settlement is suggested, but Japan has stayed her hand due to her dilemma as to where she stands under the Russo-German agreement. It is reliably stated that Japan has assured Britain that the authorities have been instructed to keep the antiBritish movement under control. The British admit the situation has improved. The Japanese commander, General Yamada, in an interview, appealed to third Powers to co-operate for the earliest possible restoration of peace. He gave the impression that Japan is eager to deal reasonably with foreign interests. A report from Chungking states that Russia is massing troops on the border of Manehukuo. NAZI'S COLD RESPONSE STATEMENT TOO LATE " SNAP FINGERS IN FACE" (Received August 25, 31.30 p.m.) LONDON. Aug. 25 Nazi comment on Mr. Chamberlain's speech maintains that it contains nothing new, and that Mr. Chamberlain no longer speaks on behalf of the majority of the great Powers, states a message from Berlin. "The statement that Poland is ready to negotiate comes too late," it is added, "and we can only shake our heads regretfully that Viscount Halifax and' Mr. Chamberlain have not only shown not the slightest understanding of German rights, but have encouraged Poland to persist in her provocative attitude.''

An official spokesman in Berlin characterised Mr. Chamberlain's speech as weak and negative. He added that Germany was in a position to snap her fingers in Britain's face now that Russia had been neutralised.