INCISIVE PRESS CRITICISM

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20925, 3 January 1938, Page 9

INCISIVE PRESS CRITICISM

JAPAN’S DEPARTURE FROM RECOGNISED METHODS United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 2, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 1. “The Times” in a leader on the Japanese reply says: "There is nothing unexpected about Japan’s reply to Britain. The militarists’ explanations are wholly Incompatible on several important points with the facts as the commander of the vessels reported them to the British Government. Their tone in places is objectionable. Even : f this were not so, the Japanese diplomatic procedure does not correspond with the recognised methods used between Gvernments. Even before Japan gave far-reaching assurances of future correct behaviour, the fighting services were guilty of grave discourtesy towards Sir Robert Craigie, and the British Government. This will not improve the atmosphere in which Cabinet is considering the Note, but its guarantees are impressive on paper, and nobody will complain it Britain decides to accept them and await events. “The Daily Telegraph” says: “The new Note is anything but impressive, though it is perhaps the most satis-

factory diplomatic document likely to be obtained in the circumstances. BRITAIN’S REPLY ISSUED JAPAN'S VERSION CHALLENGED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 2, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 1. The British Note to the Japanese Government, in reply to the Japanese Note was delivered by Sir Robert Craigie (British Ambassador) in Tokio to-day. The Note states that the British Government, noted with appreciation the assurances contained in the Japanese Note, and the fact the Japanese statements apply to merchant vessels concerned, as well as to warships. The British Government, however, observes that its information, in regard to the circumstances in which the attacks were made—notably, for instance, on the point of visibility—axe at variance with that of the Japanese Government. The British Government notes with satisfaction that the Japanese Government has taken, or is prepared to take, the necessary measures to deal suitably with the officers responsible for these incidents, and to prevent any repetition. Regarding the latter, the British Government considers the details of these measures and their effective applications may suitt ' ly form the subject of further conversations, in the course of which it duf not doubt it will be informed of th • actual steps decided upon.