SOVIET OFFER TO JAPAN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19485, 9 May 1933, Page 7

SOVIET OFFER TO JAPAN

PROPOSED SALE OF RAILWAY VITAL INTERNATIONAL ISSUES RAISED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received May 8, 7.30 p.m.) TOKIO, May 8. Far-reaching strategical and political considerations are involved in Russia’s offer to sell the Chinese Eastern Railway to Japan. The transfer would make the Japanese position in Manchuria well nigh impregnable. Vladivostock would become indefensible, and the Soviet would apparently acquiesce in the decay of its influence in Eastern Siberia. Russia’s long dream of an outlet to the Pacific would be finally abandoned. M. Litvinoff is reported to have stated that in view of the altered status of Manchuria, the liquidation of Russia’s interests there would be the best method of preventing RussoJapanese disputes. FRENCH DEEPLY INTERESTED. OFFICIAL CALL AT TOKIO. United Press Association—By Electrle Telegraph—Copyright (Received May 8, 11.10 p.m.) TOKIO, May 8. The French Ambassador, M. de Martel, visited the Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. It is understood he inquired regarding the report that Japan was negotiating for the purchase of the Chinese Eastern Railway, in which event France is vitally interested, as the railway was built by funds loaned the Czarist Government by the French. The Vice-Minister replied that Japan had merely received an intimation that Russia was prepared to sell the railway. Tokio had not so far replied to this communication.