“VICTORY MARCH” PLANNED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20898, 30 November 1937, Page 9

“VICTORY MARCH” PLANNED

BID FOR CONTROL IN SHANGHAI ATTITUDE OF WESTERN POWERS SUBSTANTIAL INTERESTS IN CUSTOMS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 29, 11.32 p.m.) SHANGHAI, November 29. It is understood a “Victory March," by Japanese troops, through the International Settlement, is being planned for to-morrow. “WAR WILL CONTINUE” UNLESS CHINA NEGOTIATES WITH JAPAN United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received November 29, 8.35 p.m.) LONDON, November 29. The Tokio correspondent of “The Times” says: En route to Western Japan, to worship at the national shrines, the Prime Minister (Prince Konoye) made a policy declaration to the press, in which he stated that Japan did not object to neutral Powers offering to arrange direct negotiations between Japan and China, but would not tolerate third party negotiations. Japan will negotiate with Marshal KaiShek or Mr Kuomintang, if Nankin co-operates, otherwise the war will continue until the Chinese are crushed. CONTROL OF CUSTOMS WESTERN POWERS PROTEST TO JAPAN United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received November 29, 8.35 pin.) LONDON, November 29. The Paris correspondent of “Tlie Times” says: It is understood that the French Government, without sending an individual Note, Instructed the French Ambassador at Tokio to inform Japan that France associates herself with the British Note demanding consultation regarding the future of the Chinese Customs at Shanghai. Big Interests at Stake It is emphasised that the three Powers, Great Britain, France and America, have protested to Japan against the seizure of the Chinese Customs at Shanghai and Tientsin. The British Government is also insisting that Japan shall not challenge the validity of the land regulations on which the authority of the Shanghai Municipal Council rests. It is learned from Shanghai that the Japanese have not only taken over the Chinese Post Office and wireless broadcasting services, but have installed censors as well. The Customs have been virtually placed under Japanese control.

The Chinese Customs normally yields about £21,000,000. The Japanese are now insisting that Customs revenue be paid into the Japanese Bank which will make necessary deductions for the service of foreign loans. Message From Embassy The Japanese Embassy in Shanghai has issued an assurance that Tokio will give “due consideration” to the Powers’ interests in the Chinese Customs revenue. OFFICIAL JAPANESE VIEWS REPLY TO BRITISH AND AMERICAN NOTES United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received November 30, 1.5 a.m.) TOKIO, November 29. After the delivery of the British and American notes, the Japanese Foreign Office spokesman said: “I would emphasise that Japan does not Intend to disturb the present status of Shanghai customs, and will respect the interests of other powers, entitled to certain amounts on account of loans.” He added he was unable to reveal the contents of the notes, but there were no protests. The customs administration was definitely part of the Nankin Government, therefore, Sir Frederick Moore was made InspectorGeneral of Customs and although he was a Briton he was regarded as an employee of the Chinese Government. Japan must control the customs, because It would be intolerable for China to apply the proceeds to the purchase of munitions and foodstuffs. Negotiations with the Shanghai-Chinese customs people is progressing smoothly, and it was most likely that Britain would be consulted about the ultimate arrangement. Interesting Revelations “I am certain,” the Foreign Office spokesman added, “that control will end when hostilities cease.” The Foreign Office spokesman revealed for the first time that the Manchukuo Customs quotas, due to the Powers on account of loans, had been deposited in the Central Bank at Manchukuo, and would be available after a simple negotiation. This procedure would probably be adopted at Shanghai. The spokesman added: "Although foreign rights were being preser-ed. Japan considers it unnecessary to consult Britain and America regarding her projected actions in Shanghai, which are wholly matters of military strategy. Japan does not intend to interfere in the administrative functions of the Municipal Council. Anything done will be purely provisional and a matter of military expediency All Customs revenues from were being paid by the Japanese into the Yokohama special bank, which was servicing foreign but not domestic loans.”