Japan Sends Note to China.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18467, 19 May 1928, Page 2

Japan Sends Note to China.

NANKING AND PEKIN GOVERNMENTS GIVEN NIPPONESE VIEWS. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Received Mav .19, 11.55 am.) ' Tt)XIO. May 18. The Government iVa*? published a, memorandum, which r:ai communicated to the Pekin and Nanking Governments to-day. It states: “The life of the population in China is characterised by extreme unrest and distress owing to the constant disturbances over many years. Foreign residents in China enjoy no assurance of safety in the pursuit of their occupations. It is accordingly the earnest desire of the Chinese and foreigners alike that these disturbances should terminate as soon as possible. Especially is this hoped for by Japan, whose interests are specially and deeply involved on account of her being China’s nearest neighbour. “ The disturbances, however, now threaten to spread to the Tien tsin andPekin districts. In these circumstances, should the disturbances develop further in the direction of Pekin and Tien tsin, and the situation become so menacing as to threaten peace and order in Manchuria, Japan may be constrained to take appropriate and effective steps for the maintenance of peace and order in Manchuria. Should the course of events be such as to render the above-mentioned measure imperative, Japan will exercise due care to provide against any unfaii consequences arising to either of thl two opposite parties.” Following to-day’s memorandum to Pekin and Nanking, it is increasingly the opinion of many foreign observers that Japan is gradually being forced into a position where she may have to declare a virtual temporary protectorate in South Manchuria, and possibly as far north as Changchun, which is tiie northern terminus of the Siberian Manchurian railway. NATIONALIST ARMIES AIM TO ROUT NORTH. (Received May 19, 1 p.m.) SHANGHAI, May 18. The final struggle between North and South is predicted to eventuate at Shanhai-kwan, the gateway of Manchuria, also at Dolonor, the extreme northern boundary of China proper. The Nationalist armies are now engaged in sweeping the remnants of the Northern armies from Tien-tsin, Pukow, Hankow, and Pekin railways, prior to an assault on Tien-tsin. which is anticipated to fall before the Nationalists without serious fighting. Little resistance is expected until the assault at the Great Wall.—Australian Press Association.