JAPAN’S POLICY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20031, 1 September 1939, Page 5

JAPAN’S POLICY

ATTITUDE UNCHANGED MOVEMENT OP TROOPS BLOCKADE NOT ENDED WATCH ON VLADIVOSTOK (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Se.pt. 1, 11 a.m.) '•LONDON, Aug. 31. A Hong Kong report estimates that over 12,000 Japanese troops are lining the frontier (between Bias Bay and Namtau. The expectation of the Japanese ending the blockade is without foundation. On August 27 large numbers of troops -embarked on- warships at Namtau, but it was announced on August 30 that the troops were transferred from the western to the eastern side of the colony. The enrolment of the British population is completed. British military manoeuvres begin to-day. In Tokio, the navy spokesman, referring to reports that Britain was installing booms at Hong Kong,, said that Japan did not intend to 'take any action whatsoever around Hong Kong waters. Japan’s .naval policy was unchanged, -and she would co-operate with friendly nations to avoid antagonising other Powers. Russian Activity The spokesman also stated that he was informed that' the Russian base ’at Vladivostok had been reinforced by further mine-sweepers, cruisers and war planes. The Prime (Minister, General Nobuyuki Abe, declared that.-the' situation was very'serious. i . “We will co-operate with fnose understanding our position,” ‘said General Abe, "but we are determined to deal firmly with -all others,” Isolation of Tientsin A Tokio report states that General Abe has issued a statement' that the isolation of Tientsin is of only military necessity, and would -be lifted if Britain abandoned Marshall Chiang Kai-Shek’s pblicy. Although British and Japanese conversations have reached a deadlock, Japan is ready to respond in a conciliatory attitude. Japanese sponsored Governments of Chahar, North Shansi and Inner Mongolian provinces are amalgamating into one government knbWn as the Federated Autonomy Government of Mongolia. Prince Te Watiff. is the chairman, and it is understood he will enjoy comprehensive autonomy. Chinese Prisoners The solicitors acting for the Chinese prisoners in. Tientsin stated that a new application had been lodged in Shanghai for their release, and said it was unbelievable that the British Government would surrender the men while the matter was sub judice. The Chinese Ambassador to-day protested to the Foreign Office that it was manifestly unfair to hand over the four Tientsin Chinese, who were Chinese subjects, to the Japanese, thereby prejudicing their case.