FRENCH APPROVAL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20021, 21 August 1939, Page 7

FRENCH APPROVAL

STAND BY BRITAIN

REFUSAL TO JAPANESE

CHINA CURRENCY ISSUE

HOSTILITY INTENSIFIED

COMMUNIST SCARE TALK

(Fine. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed Aug. 19, 2.45 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 18.

France fully approves of the British refusal to discuss the 'question of silver currency in -China as a purely BritishJsipanese issue, and has instructed the French Ambassador to Toki-o that such questions entail consultation with ail Powers.

Messages from Tokio stale that immediately after learning of Britain's decision in reference to the currency discussions, Mr. Kato conferred with the Japanese Foreign Minister. Mr. 'H. Arita, and then with members of the Japanese General Staff.

The Tokio representatives of The Times quotes Mr. Kato as saying that Japan’s attitude in the Tientsin talks was unchanged, and Britain must toe responsible for any untoward results due to delay.

The Pekin correspondent of the News Exchange says that the Japanese militarists have attempted to Inject a new element into the antiBritish movement by declaring that the Communists are trying to obtain control. Press correspondents were sceptical and asked whether the situation was out of hand. The spokesman replied in the affirmative, bui added that it was not too big for the Jananesc to handle.

Hong Kong messages stale that Japanese warships and transports are concentrated at Pakhoi where a landing apparently is contemplated. The Japanese troops have seized Shat Oukok, behind Kowloon.