MANCHURIAN CRISIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21539, 11 January 1932, Page 7

MANCHURIAN CRISIS

AMERICAN PROTEST TO JAPAN THE “OPEN DOOR” PRINCIPLE BRITAIN STRICTLY NEUTRAL ■ (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) LONDON, January 8. The Sun-Herald Service says the British Government shows no disposition to associate itself with the United States protest to Japan. It is evident that Britain is desirous of maintaining strict neutrality regarding Japan. The Daily Mail, in a leader, expresses the opinion that the American Note is merely an attempt to assert the United States’ right to the maintenance of the “ open door ” in Manchuria. In any case, the British in no circumstances can allow themselves to become embroiled in war with Japan, which could only benefit the Chinese war lords and the Soviet.

THE AMERICAN NOTE. COPIES SENT TO POWERS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, January 8. It is stated in London that the American Government’s proposal to send the Manchurian Note was communicated to Sir Ronald Lindsay, British Ambassador at Washington, a few days ago, and a copy was sent to him at the time of its despatch. It is understood that similar action was taken with the other Washington representatives of countries that are parties to the Nine-Power Treaty. It is recalled that at recent League Council meetings on the Manchurian situation the Japanese delegate gave a definite assurance to the League that Japan would observe the principle of the “open door,” to which the American Note calls attention. As a nonmember of the League, the United States is in a somewhat different position from other interested Powers. The question is receiving the consideration of the Foreign Secretary, and the French Ambassador, M. Fleuriau, has called to see him on the matter.