LONDON CONCERN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20006, 3 August 1939, Page 6

LONDON CONCERN

CHINA CAMPAIGN HOSTILITY TO BRITAIN ACTION BY JAPANESE UN DEE T AKIN Cl RECALL ED NEGOTIATIONS IN TOKIO (Eloc. Tel. Copyright —United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Rccd. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY. Aug. 2. Surprise and concern is expressed in London at the continuance of the antiBritish agitation in the Japanese occupied areas of China. The formula upon which the Tokio negotiations opened was accepted on 'he undertaking that order in these areas would foe maintained. Such demonstrations imply a negation of the order. If the Japanese are unable to carry out their guarantee, it is felt here that it should act have been given. On the other hand, if, as is ‘believed, it lies within Japan’s newer to suppress these agitations, they should at once 'be put down. The president of the -Beard of Trade, Mr. Oliver Stanley, speaking in the House cf 'Commons, recalled that, as stated in ’the House cm March G and repeated cn July 14, o proposal to give financial assistance for the benefit of British manufacturers in respect to exports to China had been under consideration for seine time. Certain technical and legal questions were still under consideration. Maintaining Currency This statement followed the assurance given ’by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Sir John Simon, that the Anglo-Jspane.se formula did net imply cay change in Britain's view as to the desirability cf maintaining the stability of Chinese currency in the interests of Britain and other countries which have important financial trade interests j.i China. The Times says that information is being exchanged with several countries, including America and France, and the British Dominions. When these exchanges are complete, if may be anticipated that further instructions .will be sent to the British Ambassador to Japan, Sir Robert Craigie, for his guidance in the Tokio negotiations. Vigorous Protest Speaking in the House of Commons, the Prime 'Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, stated that Sir Robert 'Craigie had been instructed 'to enter a further vigorous protest against the continuation of the anti-British agitation in North China. He also assured members that the Government was maintaining contact with France 'and America. The Foreign Under-Secretary, 'Mr. R. A. Butler, was asked if the support of Chinese currency had come under discussion in the conversations at Tokio. He replied: “The conversations at present proceeding in Tokio are confined to the local Issues at Tientsin." Intervening in a reply to supplementary questions, which included a direct appeal 'to him to give a pledge that the Government would not consent to a dclegnlisation of Chinese currency, -Mr. Chamberlain recalled his full statement on the Far East in Monday's debate and declined to go beyond that.