UNITED STATES UNEASY REGARDING JAPAN’S AIMS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18468, 21 May 1928, Page 10

UNITED STATES UNEASY REGARDING JAPAN’S AIMS

(United Frees Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyi lght.) NEW YORK. May 19. The Washington correspondent of the ‘‘New York Times” says that an atmosphere of uneasiness is evident in official circles to-day over the course taken by Japan in asserting her predominating influence in Manchuria through her warning to both the Southern and Northern factions to avoid the spreading of “unrest.” Mr F. B. Kellogg, Secretary of State, made the following observations: “The United States has never recognised any special claim by Japan to that region, and has considered Manchuria to be Chinese territory, although not de nying the legal ownership by Japan of the lease of the South Manchurian railway. The American 'Government has not taken any position regarding the as sumption by Japan of power to exclude the Chinese Government from Manchuria. The United States at present is not called upon to do so. Japan did not consult the American Government regarding its action, and there has been no communication between the American and other Governments regarding the steps taken by Japan. “Lacking knowledge of Japan’s ultimate aims, it is inadvisable further to discuss the situat.ion, but attention is called to the Nine Power Treaty, to which Japan is a signatory, agreeing to respect the sovereignty of China and to provide the fullest opportunity for China to develop and establish equal commercial and industrial opportunities for all nations in China.—Australian Press Association.

NORTHERNERS FIGHT WITH BACKS TO WALL,

SHANGHAI. May 20. The Northerners, fighting with their backs to the wall, were defeated in their initial engagement against the combined forces of the Southern allies, following a drive launched at Wanghi yesterday, and are retreating. Three armies are assaulting the Northern defences —the Nationalists, commanded by Chiang Kai-shek, the Kua Min Chun by Feng Yu-hsiang, the so-called Christian general; and the Shansi army, commanded by Yen Shi-shan, Governor of Shansi Province. They are attacking from three sides, compelling the Northerners to shorten their lines and fall back twenty miles nearer Pekin.—• Australian Press Association.