TERMS REJECTED

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 239, 10 May 1933, Page 5

TERMS REJECTED

Russian (Mer to Sell Interests CHINESE EASTERN RAILWAY Not Japan’s Business Press Association —Copyright Kobe, May 9. The Japanese have rejected the Russian offer to sell the Chinese Eastern Railway, declaring that it is Manchukuo’s business and that besides the railway is deteriorating in value. Apparently hard bargaining has been proceeding, Japan hoping to acquire the railway for little or nothing. SOVIET MILITARY HELPLESSNESS Press Association. —Copyright. London, May 9. “The Soviet’s offer to sell to Japan its control of and interests in the Chinese Eastern Railway implies Moscow’s military helplessness in the Far East,” says the Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent. “This is known to Japan, which is unlikely to pay a big price. Nor will Moscow’s gesture of conciliation necessarily deter Japan from eventually claiming and occupying on Manchukuo’s behalf Siberia’s eastern maritime provinces." The Soviet Foreign Commissar, M. M. Litvinoff, proposes immediate negotiations for the sale to Japan of the railway, but the difficulties include certain French rights, says the Tokio correspondent of the Times. It is also pointed out that all the Soviet can sell is its right of joint management for 36 years based on economic value irrespective of political or strategical considerations. Moscow Is reported to be asking £30.000,000 for the railway. Russia has also been reminded that it owes Japan £21,000,000.