HARD BARGAINING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 108, 10 May 1933, Page 7

HARD BARGAINING

THE EASTERN RAILWAY SOVIET ANXIOUS TO SELL JAPAN MAY PAY NOTHING OFFER SOON REJECTED (By Telegraph— Press Association— Copyright) Received May 9, 10.5 p.m. KOBE, May 9. The Japanese have rejected the Russian railway offer, declaring that it i« deteriorating in value. Apparently hard bargaining is proceeding, the prospective purchasers hoping to ac 4B ire the line for little or nothing. MOSCOW’S POSITION military helplessness. JAPAN WILL CLAIM LINE. Received Mav 9, 9.2 p.m. LONDON, May 9. The Soviet’s offer to sell to Japan its control interests in the Chinese Eastern Railway, implies Moscow’: military helplessness In the Far East, says the Daily Telegraph’s diplomatic correspondent. This is known to Japan, who is unlikely to pay a big price. Nor will Moscow’s gesture of conciliation necessarily deter Japan from eventually claiming and occupying the line on Manchukuo’s behalf. RUSSIAN DEBTS COMING HOME TO ROOST (Times Cable). Rcctived Mav 9, 11.5 p.m. LONDON, May 9. The Times’ Tokio correspondent says that M. Litvinoff proposes immediate negotiations for the sale of the railway, but difficulties include certain French rights. It is also pointed out that all ■the Soviet can sell is the right of joint management for 36 years based on economic value, irrespective of political or strategical considerations. Moscow is reported as asking £30,000,000 for the railway, but Russia has also been reminded’that she owes Japan £21,000,• 000. SOVIET’S PRICE DISPOSAL OF INTERESTS NANKING ALARMED SHANGHAI, May 8. With regard to the Chinese Eastern Railway, it is now reported that the Soviet has offered to sell its interests to Japan for 300,000.000 roubles, which offer is alarming the Nanking officials who propose to draw the attention of foreign Governments to the invalidity of anv such agreement, stressing the inviolability of Chinese rights and i»terests.