SHARP NOTE TO JAPAN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21180, 29 October 1938, Page 17

SHARP NOTE TO JAPAN

American Rights in China White House Demands Reassurances Western Powers Warned To Quit United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright WASHINGTON, October 27.

Tire United States has informed the Japanese Government in a forceful and bluntly-worded note that she is finding it increasingly difficult to reconcile herself with the trade situation which the Japanese have created in China. The Note lists arbitrary and illegal acts to the detriment of the United States, contrasts Japanese promises with performances, and asks for prompt measures to maintain the “Open Door" In China.

The Note was delivered in Tokio on October 6 and has just been made public. It is not revealed whether Japan replied, but presumably she did not, despite the sharp concluding paragraph which said: “The United States Government believes it to be in the interests of relations between the United States and Japan that there should be an .early reply.” The Note asked for the discontinuance of monopolistic or preferential Japanese projects; discontinuance of Japanese interference with American property and other rights, including censorship of mail, restrictions upon residence, travel, trade and shipping. Five specific illegal Japanese acts are detailed, all alleging Japanese control of huge Chinese enterprises. Instances of Unfairness The Note instances Manchuria where Japanese companies have been given privileged or exclusive positions in the business world, compelling a large part of the American companies to withdraw. Two specific cases are given, where Americans suffered seriously as the result of exchange control.

The Note recalls the warning sent by the United States to Japan against the establishment of preference or monopolistic rights, favouring any foreign country in China, and assurances General Ugaki gave the American Ambassador (Mr Drew) on July 4, that the open door would be maintained. The Note asseverates that nowhere has the United States attempted to impose embargoes, import prohibitions, exchange controls, preferential restrictions on monopolies or special companies, designed to eliminate Japanese trade and enterprise.

INTENTION BEHIND NOTE AMERICAN OPINION STATED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph--Copyright (Received October 28, 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON. October 27. The interpretation of the United States intention behind the Note to Japan is that unless a favourable reply is received very soon “relations between the two countries will become strained.” It is also felt In certain quarters that Japan could reasonably conclude that the United States intends some form of retaliation against Japanese businessmen in the United States, or areas where American influence predominates, similar to the violation of American businessmen’s rights in china.

“ WOULD NOT SHARE VICTORY” JAPANESE REBUFF TO WESTERN WORLD United Piess Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 27. The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” reports that the Japanese Ambassador (Mr Toshio Shiratorl) when Interviewed by a German correspondent, identified the fall of Hankow with the end of the Sino-Japanese war but, foresaw that it would be 10 years before a new Chlra was created. A number of independent governments would probably be constituted under a president on the American model, with a mllitatry, political and fiscal union with Japan, which had no territorial aims in China, but would be retaining ownership of the Hainau Islands.

Mr Shiratorl said that Japan would not share her victory with the Western Powers whose rights would, hawever, be respected. English predominance in Eastern Asia had ended for ever and German technicians and traders would be given preference. Totalitarianism would supercede liberalism in Japan.

German business and official circles do not welcome Mr Shlratori's statement, realising that friendly German and Japanese relations have not prevented interference witl. German trade in the Japanese controlled areas, while experience of Japanese methods in Manchukuo makes their extension to China seem like a nightmare.