JAPAN’S VIOLATION OF TREATIES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20852, 7 October 1937, Page 7

JAPAN’S VIOLATION OF TREATIES

REPORT OF LEAGUE COMMITTEE INVASION OF CHINA DENOUNCED “PEACEFUL INTENTIONS” CHALLENGED British Official Wireless RUGBY, October 5. A Geneva message states that the Sub-Committee of the Far Eastern Advisory Committee of the League of Nations, adopted a detailed report on the causes of the present SinoJapanese conflict. The conclusions of the sub-Commlttee are stated as follows: It is clear that the two countries take very different views of the grounds of the dispute, and as to the Incident which led to the first outbreak of hostilities. It cannot, however, be challenged (1) That powerful Japanese armies have invaded Chinese territory, and are in military control of large areas, including Peiping. (2) The Japanese Government took naval measures to close the coast of China to Chinese shipping. (3) Japanese aircraft are carrying out bombardments over widely separated regions of the country. After an examination of the facts laid before it, the Committee is bound to take the view that the military operations carried on by Japan against China by land, sea and air are out of all proportion to the incident that caused the conflict, and that such action cannot possibly facilitate or promote friendly co-operation between the two nations, as Japanese statesmen have affirmed to be the aim of their policy. Further that it can be justified neither on a basis of the existing legal Instruments, nor on that of right of self-defence, and that it is in contravention of Japan’s obligation under the Nine Power Treaty of 1922, and under the Pact of Paris of 1928. The Drafting Committee appointed by the Advisory Committee proposes summoning the signatories of the Nine Power Treaty of 1932, and also other interested Powers to a conference with a view to the reestablishment of peace in the Far East. The Drafting Committee does not use the word "aggression” or mention Article X of the Covenant, as China demanded, but does state that Japan sent large forces to China, bombed cities, and interfered with shipping, thus perpetrating an invasion, which conflicts with Japan’s obligations under the Nine Power Past, and the Kellogg Pact. The report will go to the subcommittee, which will submit it to the Advisory Committee. Mr Jordan’s Appeal The New Zealand delegate (Mr W. J. Jordan) made an appeal for a strong lead against Japan. This was disclosed when Lord Cranbome’s subcommittee moved the clauses regarding not hindering China, and also to consider assisting her. Mr Jordan pressed for a more concrete phrase calling on members to consider what to do to stop Japanese aggression, but lost as Britain, France, Australia and Holland opposed it. Russia, China and New Zealand supported the proposal, but the remainder abstained. Subsequently the Assembly considered the report. Mr W. E. Elliot urged acceptance, as i' was a conflict in which the League’s conciliatory powers should be invoked, even at the eleventh hour on the broadest possible basis. M. Boncour (France) and M. Litvinov (Soviet) supported him. Dr. Wellington Koo, who was given an ovation, said although the recommendations were far short of what China asked, they would accept them in a spirit of solidarity, reserving the right to present future proposals. Siam, Norway and South Africa announced their abstention, as they had not time to consult their Governments. Poland said the conclusions were not acceptable. Eventually the meeting adjourned until 4 p.m. on October 6. to enable the small Powers to consult their Governments. Feelings Intensified While the Sub-Committee was considering the Drafting Committee's report before submission to the Advisory Committee, Mr Roosevelt’s speech was circulated among the delegates, intensifying the anti-Japanese feeling and arousing the belief that the foundation had been laid for action by America, and the League in the Far East, and resulting in the sub-committee strengthening the report, adding a clause morally supporting China and recommending League members to refrain from action weakening China’s resistance, and also to consider how far they can individually aid China. The Sub-Committee further recommended the Assembly not to close the session, but declare willingness to consider co-operation to the maximum extent in any proposals made. The Advisory Committee should in any event meet within a month. The Advisory Committee adopted the ft port. Poland did not vote as the rules of procedure were neglected, a dangerous precedent being established. Canada and Switzerland abstained, saying that they had not had time to consult their Governments. APPEAL FOR WORLD PROTEST MASS MEETING IN LONDON United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Coovriaht LONDON, October 5. Thousands thronged the Albert Hal! for the protest against Japanese aggression, and witnessed films of bombs over China, showing the horrors of the scenes in the war zones. The Archbishop of Canterbury, who presided, said he did not wish to affect the traditional Anglo-Japanese friendship. He knew many Japanese Christians were distressed at “my

presence here, but I wonder how far they know the facts which have reached us.” He added that he could not Join in a call for Britain to act alone, as solitary action would be ineffective, and moreover, it might Involve consequences affecting England and Japan, and even Europe, which no thinking man could overlook. "Nevertheless, we are entitled to ask the Government, if the protest and appeal are unavailing, to announce that they are prepared to act if they can obtain the support to make such form of economic action effective. Moreover, the nightmare of a nation using every power of science to deal destruction to helpless multitudes has become a reality. The lesson froi t is to secure the total abolition of bombing aircraft before it is too late.” The Archbishop of Canterbury urged prayer to move the rulers and enable of the restoration of peace. Earl Lytton said' that the most humiliating factor in the tragedy was that Japan copied the methods from European precedents in Spain and in the Mediterranean, and Prussian frightfulness. Mr Herbert Morrison (Labour) appealed for American co-operation in economic and financial pressure against Japan. Lady Bonham Carter demanded that the Government should lead an economic boycott against Japan. The meeting stood and carried a resolution on the lines of the address by the Archbishop. English Press Observations “The Times” in a leader, emphasises that President Roosevelt and the Archbishop of Canterbury have unmistakably proved the indignation of the greater part of the world at Japan’s aggression and air-bombing. The significance of President Roosevelt’s appeal to peace-loving peoples to cooperate in the defence of peace can be missed nowhere, and will nowhere be met with deeper satisfaction than in Britain and the Dominions, but machinery is essential to determine the possibilities in which action could be concerned and its objects defined. Reaction by Cabinet The diplomatic correspondent of “The Daily Mail” says: “Cabinet on the 6th will discuss President Roosevelt’s speech, the outspokenness of which surprised members of Cabinet, although Mr Roosevelt had informed the British Government of his attitude. Hitherto there had been informal discussions regarding joint action. It is stated in well-informed quarters that Britain will never participate in sanctions against Japan, or in any action adding to her preoccupations in the Mediterranean. PROTESTS IN SYDNEY DIRECT ACTION PLANNED United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph -Copyright SYDNEY, October 6 Members of the Newcastle branch of the Ironworkers’ Union, decided as a protest against the bombings of Chinese non-mllitary objectives, to refuse to do any repairs, or overhaul work on vessels trading with Japan.