THE FAR EAST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21538, 9 January 1932, Page 9

THE FAR EAST

MANCHURIAN SITUATION POWERS TO TAKE ACTION SWEEPING AND UNMISTAKABLE (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, January 7. Definite action in the Manchurian situation has been decided upon by the interested Powers after a conference between the Secretary of State (Mr H. L. Stim son) and the British, French, and Italian Ambassadors. In view of a possible de duration on the subject, the State De partment officials declined to comment on the nature of the action, except to say that it was sweeping and unmistakable. NINE-POWER TREATY INVOKED. WASHINGTON, January 7. The United States invoked the NinePower Treaty to-day in connection with the Manchurian trouble. The treaty deals with the preservation of China’s territorial and administrative integrity. Action was taken by the Secretary of State’ (Mr Stimson) after consulting with the other Powers which are a party to the treaty. Further action of a sweeping character, of which the Nine-Power Treaty is the axis, has been taken, but the details are not disclosed. Just when and how notification went to the Par East was not immediately stated. Mr Stimson has been in consultation over the question with the represents tives of Britain and France. The Administration’s concern over the difficulties of China and Japan have become increasingly evident lately. The original parties to the NinePower Pact are the United States, Belgium, the British Empire, China, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Portugal.

REASONS FOR STEP. LONDON, January 7. (Received Jan. 8, at 5.5 p.m.) America’s invocation of the Nine-Power Treaty, of which Australia and New Zealand are among the signatories in the persons of Sir George Pearce and Sir John Salmond, is a grave sequel to the Manchurian crisis. The developments of the crisis which stirred America to this serious initiative are the continuation of the Japanese advance and the Japanese attack on the American Consul at Harbin. Mr Stimson’s acceptance of the apology for the attack has not satisfied American opinion. Viscount Cecil considers the invocation is of considerable importance, while another authority believes that it will entail a new conference concerning the Manchurian dispute because the treaty provides that those who are involved shall confer in the case of an alleged breach of the pact by any Power concerned. Professor Gilbert Murray says ho always regarded Japan’s action in Manchuria as inconsistent with the NinePower Pact. He regrets that America did not direct Japan’s attention to the pact at the beginning, when it could have been done with less friction.

AMERICA’S DEEP CONCERN. WASHINGTON, January 7. Previous to the treaty invocation announcement President Hoover personally expressed anew to-day the United States Government's deep concern over the Far Eastern situation when replying to a formal address of welcome to Mr W. W. Yen, the newly-appointed Chinese Minister, when he presented bis credentials. The President said: “The United States is mindful of its engagements under the treaties, and proposes to continue to follow with close and solicitious attention the developments in the East. I request you to convey to your Government and to the people of China the assurance that the American Government and the people will continue to observe with deep sympathetic interest the present struggle of the Chinese nation for realisation of those principles which form the foundation of a democratic State.”