CHINA’S POLITICAL FUTURE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20891, 22 November 1937, Page 9

CHINA’S POLITICAL FUTURE

ALREADY PLANNED BY JAPAN PROPOSED FEDERATION OF STATES AMERICAN ATTITUDE TO CONFERENCE

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-Copyright (Received November 21, 8,30 p.m.) LONDON, November 20. The Tokio correspondent of ‘"The Daily Telegraph’’ states that Japan has already planned China’s political future. The chief feature will be a Federation of States under a Central Government, with Pekin as the capital. Foreign policy, customs, taxation and defence would be under Japanese advisorship. The Chinese Army would be abolished, and replaced by a peace preservation corps. An Imperial headquarters has been established in Tokio with the object of placing the general staffs on a war footing for full scale operations. It is declared that this is not a precursor of war.

Rebuff From Rome A highly placed official in Rome reveals that an official Chinese mission, headed by Chen Kuo Fu, has gone to Brussels, after discouraging Interviews with Signor Mussolini and Count Clano, at which they sought a more impartial Italian attitude towards China. Instead, Bignor Mussolini suggested that China was unable to resist the overwhelming Japanese strength and counselled Italian and German mediation in which conditions would involve the Chinese recognition of Manchukuo and an independent North China. Italy’s Friendly Gesture The Italian Ambassador to China to-day called on General Matsul, who expressed warm appreciation of Italy's good will for the Japanese Army. The Ambassador suggested that Italy would fight hand in hand with Japan for the sake of the antl-comintern front.

Government Leaves Nankin It is officially announced from Nankin that the seat of the Chinese Government has been transferred to Chungklang, accompanied by a proclamation that China stands firm against coercion and the acceptance of humiliating terms, which is the purpose of the Japanese advance westwards. The Foreign Embassies are expected to have evacuated the capital by the week-end. The Soviet officials have already gone, but the British Consul will remain In his Embassy to supervise evacuation, for which purpose a British gunboat Is standing by.

RESENTMENT IN UNITED STATES REACTION TO CONFERENCE IN BRUSSELS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph -Copyright (Received November 21, 830 p.m.) NEW YORK, November 20. The Washington correspondent of the United Press says: "Resentment is apparent in Congress at the reported efforts of the Brussels Conference to blame the United States for the SinoJapanese crisis. There is also bitter division of opinion whether America j should aid China against Japan.” Senator Pittman said he was discouraged by the outcome of the Brussels Conference, and expressed the . opinion that the neutrality law was ample to keep the United States from the Eastern War. Senator Lewis asserted that President Roosevelt should investigate the Conference conditions and withdraw the representation of the United States If advisable. In the House of Representatives, Mr Lewis introduced a resolution authorising the President to put an embargo on munitions and war material, with the exception of food, to Japan, and join the other nations in applying economic pressure to shorten the war.

“Nothing Expected From Brussels”

Senator Pittman, after conferring with Mr Cordell Hull (Secretary of state) said the United States expects nothing from Brussels. In future the United States’ action to restore peace In the Far East will be purely independent, and entirely on its own resources.

“It Is ridiculous to suggest that foreign nations cannot act owing to the Neutrality Act,” Senator Pittman said. EBB AND FLOW OF CONFLICT JAPANESE PRESSURE MAINTAINED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraob Copyright (Received November 21, 6.30 p.m.) SHANGHAI, November 19. The Chinese report that they repulsed the first of the Japanese attacks on the Soochow line, but the Japanese claim that they successfully attacked 'he lines in the northern sector, with the aid of the warships In Yangtsekiang.

JAPANESE ADVANCE IMPORTANT CAPTURES CLAIMED United Pi ess Association—By Electric Telegraob Copyright (Received November 21, 6.30 p.m.) SHANGHAI, November 20. The earlier claim that the centre of the advancing Japanese screen had entered Soochow is confirmed. It is believed this portends the crumpling .. of the “Hindenburg Line." The Japanese claim they have completed the capture of Kashlng, and have also captured Nanzlang on the south shore of Lake ’’’aihu. The Japanese claimed to have occu-

pied Changshu, fifty miles north-west of Shanghai, thus completing the breach In the line between Changshu and Fushan.

Traversing the quagmired countryside, the Japanese are within five miles of Soochow, where a Chinese counteroffensive fizzled out.

ARMS FOR COMBATANTS BOTH SIDES ASSISTED United Piess Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright TOKIO, November 19. The Foreign Office asserts that arms to China are being transhipped through Hongkong, including some from Indo-Chlna. It is admitted that some are pre-war contracts. Ser aermano-Ja""”*'" negotiations are reportedly progressing for the delivery of supplies of German aircraft

. war material to .usslbly a basis that C rmi ; s esent assistance to China should cease, says a message from Geneva,