TALK OF WAR IN ORIENT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19484, 8 May 1933, Page 9

TALK OF WAR IN ORIENT

SCOUTED BY JAPANESE COMMANDER

STATEMENT BY LEADING JOURNALIST United Press Association—By Electrlo Teleeranh. —Copyright (Received May 7, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 6. Interviewed at Dairen, Marshal Muto, Japanese commander-in-chief in Manchuria, scouting the idea of war with Russia, said: “Japan’s hands are full with agricultural industrial and transport improvements, but if Russia takes the wrong direction, or anyone interferes with the creation of this important base for peace in Asia, we are prepared to defend our rights.” NO ECHO IN JAPAN. ENGLISH JOURNALIST’S REVIEW OF OUTLOOK. United Press Associe* , .on—By Electric Telesraoh—Copyright LONDON, May 5. Talk of the imminence of war in the Far East finds no echo in Japan, says Mr Ward Price. Cabling to “The Daily Mail” from Tokio, Mr Price says: “A RussoJapanese clash some day is more than likely, but nobody believes it will come as a result of the present dispute. Most thorough inquiries in the highest naval and military quarters reveal that Japan has no intention of warring with Russia, nor fears that Russia will at present force war. If Russia wanted to fight she should have done so last year, when the Japanese were occupied at Tsitsihar. She yielded then, and is not expected to be bolder now. The Japanese Government's attitude is that the railway dispute is a local matter between Manchukuo and the Soviet. STRATEGICAL RAILWAY IN MANCHURIA. RUSSIANS OFFER TO SELL. United Press Association—By Electric Telegrnnb—Copyright (Received May 7. 7.30 p.m.) TOKIO, May 6. It is reported from Kobe that the Russians have offered to sell the Chinese Eastern Railway. Further discussions are expected.