COLD RECEPTION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19999, 26 July 1939, Page 5

COLD RECEPTION

POLICY IN TOKIO CHAMBERLAIN’S REVIEW BLOCKADE AT TIENTSIN INSISTENCE BY JAPAN NEW CANTON THREAT (Elcc. T. 4. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. July 26, 12 noon.) LONDON, July 25. Most newspapers give a cold reception to tiie statement made in the House of Commons yesterday by the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, concerning the negotiations in Tokio.

The News Chronicle says: “The statement goes far to justify the Japanese claims that Britain has accepted the Japanese thesis. It is to be feared that Russia and the United States may. feel that there is more truth in'tiie Japanese version of the talks than 'Mr. Chamberlain’s inasmuch as actions speak louder than words. The Government might back up its interpretation by arranging forthwith for a substantial credit to China.”

The Daily Herald asks what is Japan recognising on behaH of Britain and points out that this is not disclosed. “The agreement, as stated by Mr. Chamberlain, cannot possibly mean other than recognition, of Japan's conquest of parts of China.” adds the Daily Herald.

The Japanese army spokesman declared at Tientsin to-day that the blockade of Tientsin would continue until the British gave concrete evidence of the intention of carrying out the Tokio agreement. Blockade Intentions It is reliably stated in Hong Kong that the Japanese navy will blockade the Canton River and the British and French Concessions around ther e on Thursday. Sentries will guard both bridge entrances to Shameen Island and will patrol the coastal waters. Tiie Japanese Minister of Marine, Admiral Yonai, announced in Tokio that the combined Japanese fleet together with another fleet newly organised would shortly begin wartime training. He added that the Japanese Navy was determined to safeguard Japan’s legitimate rights and interests in Sakhalin. He warned the nations against assuming that the British Far Eastern policy had entirely changed as a result of the talks.

A Tokio message states that the Anglo-Japanese conference committee discussed peace and order and the policing of Tientsin. The Domei Agency understands that the proceedings were in accordance with the agreement.

A Shanghai message states that the British. Consul has protested over ; the detention of Mr. Rose,, the head oi the municipality’s health department, who was arrested with Chinese employees.

A Pekin message slates that the Japanese-controlled political party has instructed the Sliansi, Shantung, Hopeh and Honan branches to tighten up on the British boycott and increase the demonstrations.