GOAL IN CHINA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20007, 4 August 1939, Page 8

GOAL IN CHINA

POLICY OF BRITAIN AMICABLE SETTLEMENT CONFLICT WITH JAPAN TOKIO NEGOTIATIONS REVIEW BY HALIFAX (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY, Aug. 3. The position iru the Far East came under review in a speech which the Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, delivered! in the House of Lords in replying to ittoe debate on foreign affairs initiated by Lord Snell. Lord Halifax said it had been suggested in several speeches 1 tha-t the formula recently signed with Japan committed Britain to a fundamental change of policy—-that Britain had. by signing the formula, recognised a state of toelligenency in China, that it, in spirit, was contrary to the country’s obligations -under the League resolutions, that it endangered the Nine-Power Treaty, and j generally that it condoned actions which the British Government had previously condemned. “I wish to say quite plainly tha-t, in my judgment, those who take that sort o-f line ignore the plain term's of the formula and 1 the interpretation which Britain itself placed upon it,” said Lord Halifax. “The general consideration I would! ask to be kept in mind is that Japan never asked Britain to reverse its 1 general policy, nor could Britain- do so if it were asked. “I -can assure Lord -Cecil that I am not unmindful of any obligation whatever, whether the Nine-Power Treaty or the League resolutions, and there is no intention of Britain disregarding British interests in China, or disregarding Britain's obligations to third' Powers.

Aggression Not Condoned “All we Ihiave done by this formula is to state the facts as they seem to us and attempt, in practical fashion, to deal with the background against which the .situation at Tientsin unfortunately has arisen.” Continuing, Lord Halifax s'aid that nothing Britain 'had done, and nothing it would do, could by any reasonable construction be taken as condoning aggressive action. Britain’s policy in the Far Bast was to endeavour to do two things—to see whether Britain could assist in promoting a settlement fair to all 'interests concerned, and, from the more narrow point of view of the interest of Britain, to work for such 'goodwill as would not impair its relations with China or Japan, if such impairment could Ibe avoided. As far as the relations with Japan were concerned, success in maintaining goodwill diid not depend entirely on Britain. .It depended also on Japan. Referring to the interests of ether Powers in China, Lord Halifax mentioned the interests of America und France. The general aims and objects of the three Governments were closely similar 'and Britain 'Was alive to the importance of collaboration with France and America whenever collaboration was possible. American Denunciation Britain never failed to keep those Governments informed of its intentions or actions. “I do not say that we necessarily say the same thing in the same way at the same time.” he continued. “America’s denunciation of the commercial 'treaty With Japan, is a case in point. “I can very well conceive circumstances under which Britain may wish to give notice Cl' its intention to denounce its' commercial treaty with Japan, but, as the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, said cn Monday, that is a matter which will require the most careful consideration and regarding which an exchange of views with His Majesty’s Dominions will be necessary. I would not wish to say more on that subject.” Interests Recognised

' Lord Halifax said that Whilst Britain never acquiesced in. the Japanese action in China, and was bound to ■consider Britain’s <ctw|i Interests, it always had been fully prepared to recognise the special interests cf Japan hi China, due to her geographical and economic situation.

Before leaving the question of the Far East, Lard Halifax said that 'the Government felt it the duty cf responsible persons everywhere to keep clear in front of them the real goal which was to 'try to 'bring 'about 'a just and amicable settlement of- the present dispute.

Lord Halifax added that it was true that Britain, was not in a position to police the Far East, but it was in a position to act as a .mediator, and the Government would ibe ready, when the opportunity -came, to tender its good offices if they could Ibe usefully employed.